Indian coastal regions on alert due to Cyclone Sagar
What's the story
A deep depression in the Arabian sea has developed into a cyclone, making it the first cyclone to develop this year in Indian waters. Dubbed 'Sagar', the cyclone is currently sitting over the Gulf of Aden near Yemen, and is expected to start moving westwards and eventually, south-westwards. With Sagar expected to strengthen, several Indian coastal regions have been put on alert. Here's more.
IMD advisory
IMD issues advisory notices to TN, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Lakshadweep
On Friday, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued advisory notices to Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and the Lakshadweep islands. In the next 24 hours, 70-80kmph winds with gusts going up to 90kmph are expected along with rough seas near the centre of the cyclone and adjoining areas of West central and South-west Arabian sea. Fishermen have been warned to stay away.
Gujarat
Despite assurances, Gujarat prepares for the worst
However, the IMD said that Gujarat, whose coastal areas were on alert earlier, is less likely to be adversely affected by Cyclone Sagar. Yet, despite the assurances, the state administration isn't leaving anything to chance - Distant Warning signal number 2 has been hoisted across major ports along the coasts of Gujarat. Staff have been put on alert, and fishermen have been warned off.
Trajectory
Cyclone Sagar to make landfall in Somalia tonight
Meanwhile, Cyclone Sagar is moving south-westwards at a speed of 18kmph. The strengthening Sagar, with winds between 100-130kmph, is expected to make landfall in Somalia tonight. Consequently, torrential rainfall, high velocity winds, and flooding is expected in Somalia, as well as in Djibouti and Ethiopia. However, there's also a chance that Sagar might start weakening after it makes landfall in Somalia.