Cyclone Ockhi weakens into low pressure area

Cyclone Ockhi has weakened from a deep depression to a well-marked low pressure area and will not hit Gujarat. The Ahmedabad MeT Office said, the system weakened mainly because of unfavourable environmental conditions, like high wind shear and colder sea surface near the coast. 

It, however, said, light to moderate rain is likely at many places over south Gujarat region today morning and over north Gujarat region and west Madhya Pradesh till noon. Light to moderate rain at many places is also likely over north Konkan. The department also said, squally wind speeds upto 55 kilometers per hour are likely along and off north Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts during next 12 hours. Sea condition would be rough and fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea.

Although the Cyclone has weakened, the state administration has made all the preparation to meet any eventuality. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani travelled to Surat yesterday and took a review meeting of preparations to deal with the situation. Officials said,



around 1,600 people have been shifted to safer places in Surat adding that NDRF, BSF, Army, Navy, Coast Guard have been alerted to take all necessary steps.

The people of Gujarat and state administration have breathe in relief following severe cyclonic storm Ockhi now turned in to a well marked low pressure in Arabian Sea.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is continuously monitoring the situation arising in various parts of the country due to Cyclone Ockhi. In a series of tweets, Mr Modi said, he spoke to all relevant authorities and officials. He said, all possible assistance is being provided to those affected. The Prime Minister has appealed to the Gujarat BJP workers to focus on helping people across the state.

No rain has been reported in Mumbai and adjoining areas since last evening. The MeT department has predicted intermittent showers at most places and normal to heavy rains at one or two isolated places. The state government has declared schools and colleges to remain closed.