Bangalore: Thane Cyclone - Heavy Rains Likely in Karnataka, Warning Issued

Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Dec 30: In the wake of Thane cyclone entering Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh from the Bay of Bengal, warning of heavy rains and wind over the next three days has been issued in the west coast and southern hinterland of Karnataka.

The meteorological department has warned that districts like Mysore, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Bangalore city and rural, Kolar, Chikballapur, Ramanagara and Tumkur districts may receive heavy rains and strong wind during the next two days. It has advised these district administrations to be in readiness to tackle any eventualities.

The official estimate is that these regions will receive over 65 mm of rain during this period. These districts may experience cloudy weather till January 3, although heavy rains are expected to visit them on December 31 and January 1. Cyclone may result in further fall in temperatures, which are already low in these districts.

Thane Cyclone, which was created out of low pressure area that was built over Bay of Bengal, has entered Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh coasts with full fury. Inundated coastline, uprooted trees, strong winds etc have disrupted the normal lives of scores of people.

A number of fishermen from Andhra Pradesh have gone missing, and cyclone has made rescue operations impossible. The velocity of wind has been around 140 to 145 km in most of the places. Cuddalore and Nagapattinam have been experience copious rains coupled with strong wind, and waves that are 1.5 metre in height. Low lying areas are expected to be inundated. Telephone and mobile signals have been disrupted in many places.

National calamity teams have rushed to the affected areas to take steps to tackle the situation. In Puducherry and Tamil Nadu, the administrations have asked people of affected areas to stay indoors.

The cylone is expected to weaken within a day. But rains may continue for two to three days more, sources said.