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Cyclone Phyan might not hit Mumbai directly, though the metropolis will feel its impact due to extremely heavy rainfall, Meteorological Department officials said on Wednesday.
'The cyclone may not directly hit Mumbai, but the impact of the severe weather has already started in the city. In the afternoon perhaps, it will be more severe. Disturbed weather is expected with heavy rains, storms and the ea will become very rough," said a Meteorological Department official.
Cyclone Phyan was currently 350 kms away from Mumbai, said IMD officials.
Under the influence of the deep depression, rainfall was experienced in most parts of Maharashtra today, with heavy to very heavy showers at few places including the metropolis and neighbouring Thane district.
"As far as Mumbai and coastal areas are concerned, we have informed the state government, disaster management authority, BMC to take all precautions for the safety of life and property. We have advised people in low-lying areas to take shelter," he said.
Extremely heavy rainfall is likely in Konkan and Goa and Central Maharashtra, the Met Office bulletin added.
"Rains up to 12 cm and stormy winds of 80 km per hour are expected," said Maharahstra Chief Secretary Johny Joseph.
Additional buses and trains have been deployed in Mumbai to deal with the congested traffic, said Jospeh.
Nine rescue teams have also been deployed in Mumbai, he said. The BMC and the state government will keep a track of the route of the cyclone, which might alter its course every one hour, Joseph said.
Maharshtra Chief Minister Ashok Chvan said, "Emergency and Disaster Management Cells have been activated."
"All schools and offices have been advised to close down for the day in view of the inclement weather that is likely to worsen," BMC Additional Commissioner A Maheshkar told reporters.
While the schools have been asked to shut down at 1 pm, offices have been advised to close by 2 pm, Maheshkar said after a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Johny Joseph at Mantralaya.
She said the BMC had arranged for buses at Chhatrapati Shivaji and Churchgate terminus to ferry people back home. All the 24 control rooms of the BMC have been activated, she said, warning that many trees may be uprooted as the city and its adjoining areas were expected to experience high-speed winds, reaching up to 90 km per hour.
The machinery has been geared up to promptly clear the streets and people have been cautioned against taking shelter under trees. Asked if the advisory for closure of educational institutions and offices would be in force even on Thursday, she said no such decision had been taken as yet.