Cyclone Tauktae: Check out the safety measures, authentic sources, and helpline numbers

Cyclone Tauktae is expected to hit the Indian West Coast on Tuesday where Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa are the states likely to be affected the most. Here are the Dos and Dont's for the cyclone.

A year later since the cyclone 'Nisarg' hit the country, cyclone 'Tauktae' has emerged in the Arabian sea, likely to affect the people living near coastal areas. The cyclone has already affected Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa to become a "very severe cyclonic storm" that will hit Gujarat and Maharashtra by evening today. According to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone has been intensified after touching coastal Kerala, Karnataka, and Goa. However, it is important in such a time to not panic and follow the precautions and safety measures for the cyclone.

Things to keep in mind

1. Repair loose doors or windows, and make sure you’re able to shut them properly.

2. Tie up loose things outside the house or move them indoors.

3. Keep battery-operated torches and dry cell handy.

4. Keep important documents sealed in plastic bags.

5. Check official information on Radio or Television.

6. Keep a first aid kit handy.

7. Charge Mobile Phones, Power Banks, and Laptops.

8. Keep an eye on the official Twitter handles for the latest updates of the cyclone.

9. Do not believe in rumours passed on via Whatsapp, or any other social media platform. Always confirm the news from verified sources.

10. If you’re living in a low-lying area with more chance of flooding, move to safe shelters on high grounds.

11. Stay away from the windows.

12. Keep some windows closed and some slightly open to maintain air pressure.

13. Keep extra non-perishable food and store drinking water in covered vessels. Keep old towels handy, to soak rainwater if it enters the house.

14. If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your house there will be a pause in the wind and rain would last for half an hour or so. During this time do not go out because immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the opposite direction.

15. Keep non-emergency equipment and tools disconnected.

16. If you notice a spark from electrical equipment, disconnect it from the power supply and contact an electrician.

17. In case you need to evacuate, pack essentials for yourself and your family to last a few days. These should include medicines, special food for babies and children or elders.

18. When stepping out after a cyclone has passed, beware of any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.

19. Don’t attempt to drive during the cyclone.

Where can you check authentic information about the cyclone Tauktae?

1. You can check the official Twitter account and website of the National Disaster Management Authority.

Twitter       Website

2. You can trust the information provided by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD).

Twitter       Website

Helpline numbers

Kerala:  Contact Disaster Management Authority's helpline numbers - 1077 (Collectorates), 1070 (State Control Room), KSEB helpline numbers - 1912, 0471- 2555544.

Maharashtra:  Contact Disaster Management Authority helpline number - 1916, press 4 for cyclone related query. Mumbai Disaster Management Control Room: 022- 22027990/022-22023039

Gujarat: Contact Disaster Manager Authority helpline number - +91-79-23259283. National Disaster Response Force - 91-9711077372

Tamil Nadu: Contact Disaster Management Authority control room - 1077, 044 27237207.

Karnataka: Contact Disaster Management Authority - 080-22253707, 1070.

Goa: Centralised Helpine number - 112.

Also Read: COVID-19 Resources: All-in-One Curated list of Government and Community-Led Database

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