New Delhi [India], May 15 (ANI): As Cyclone Tauktae nears the west coast of India, the Central Water Commission (CWC) on Saturday issued an ‘orange bulletin’ for Kerala and Tamil Nadu , predicting severe flooding in both states.

Water levels are likely to reach “danger” and the highest flood levels, the CWC said.

As of 8 am today, the Manimala, Achankovil in Kerala and Kodaiyar in Tamil Nadu rivers continued to flow in a “serious situation”, all three above their danger level.

The Indian Meteorological Department reported on Friday evening that the area of ​​low pressure over the Arabian Sea near Lakshwadeep had intensified into a deep low and would intensify into a cyclonic storm within 12 hours.

“The deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm” Tauktae “(pronounced as Tau’Te) over the Lakshadweep region and adjacent to the southeast and central eastern Arabian Sea: cyclone monitoring for southern coasts of Gujarat and Diu, ”IMD tweeted.

A tweet from the Indian Navy spokesperson, also confirmed “# CycloneTauktae-Update 1-Deep low 240 Nm northwest of Kochi on evening 14, very likely to escalate into Cyclonic storm Tauktae on morning 15. “

The cyclone is likely to affect areas such as the coast of Kerala, Karnataka, Lakshadweep, Goa and Maharashtra.

IMD had also predicted that the cyclone would hit the Gujarat coast on the morning of May 18.

“Deep depression in the Lakshadweep region and near the southeast and central eastern Arabian Sea, about 55 km north-northwest of Amini Divi. Intensify into a cyclonic storm in the over the next 12 hours. Move north-northwest and reach near the coast of Gujarat on May 18 morning, “IMD tweeted.

Officials of the National Disaster Intervention Force (NDRF) assured Friday that they were well prepared for Cyclone Tauktae and 53 teams had been engaged, 24 pre-deployed teams and 29 teams were waiting for the 5 Most vulnerable states.

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Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also told officials to be vigilant and well equipped, especially near coastal areas.

“In a meeting regarding Cyclone Tauktae, CM Uddhav Thackeray called on the district administration, divisional commissioners and district collectors to be vigilant and well equipped, especially in the coastal areas of Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg, “the chief minister’s office tweeted.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also said the state has put in place all precautionary measures to deal with any calamity resulting from Cyclonic Storm Tauktae.

As of Friday, five districts of Kerala had been put on red alert by IMD: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Ernakulam.

According to IMD, the area of ​​low pressure in the southeastern Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe depression. Even though Kerala is not on the predicted path of the cyclone, heavy rains, high winds and strong sea gusts are expected in the state until May 16, “Vijayan said at a briefing. hurry.

He added that nine teams of the National Disaster Intervention Force (NDRF) have been deployed as a precaution. (ANI)