Cyclone Maha has battered Lakshadweep with heavy to extremely heavy rains. As per the records, during the last 24 hours, Amini Divi received record-breaking 301 mm rains, which is the highest rainfall ever witnessed by the city during the 24 hours. Prior to this, all time high record stood at 135.4 mm recorded on October 27, 1961. In fact, this also has been highest rainfall recorded during the entire month in last 10 years and second highest since October 1948, wherein the city had recorded 396.5 mm.
Minicoy has also broken 24 hours rainfall record with 119 mm rains, that earlier stood at 92.4 mm recorded on October 23, 2012.
According to Skymet Weather, Lakshadweep Islands are on the red alert as Cyclone Maha is moving across the islands. We expect the Cyclone to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclone by today afternoon or evening. Therefore, we expect heavy to very heavy rains to continue over Lakshadweep for another 24 hours. However, the northern islands are likely to be more affected.
Sea conditions will remain very rough for the next few days. Thus, we advise total suspension of fishing activities for at least next 24 to 36 hours.
Strong surge of around 1 meter above the astronomical tide is likely. This may lead to inundation in low lying areas of Lakshadweep Islands during the next 6 to 12 hours. These high waves will be clubbed with squally winds with a speed of around 80-90 kmph gusting up to 110 kmph.
The cyclone is of great damage potential to life and property, snapping power and communication lines, breaking and uprooting of trees, damage to crops, and hedged houses.
Check out the latest track of Cyclone Maha-
No relief is likely before tomorrow evening, as it would only be by that time that Cyclone Maha will move into open waters in East Central Arabian sea. Rain activities will start reducing by tomorrow evening. By November 1, the rain activities will further reduce and wind speed will subside. However, until then all precautionary measures must be kept in place to safeguard life and property.
Image Credits – The Indian Express
Any information taken from here should be credited to Skymet Weather