Cyclone Nisarga, the first such storm to threaten Mumbai in over a century, is heading to the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts and is expected to make landfall at Alibaug, about 100 km from Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon.
IMAGE: Firshermen look on after anchoring their boats due to a red alert for Cyclone Nisarga, at Uttan beach in Thane. Photograph: PTI Photo
Mumbai's civic body Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has put out a list of dos and don'ts for citizens.
Here's what you should do
- Loose things outside the house should be tied or moved indoors
- Seal important documents and jewellery in a plastic bag
- Regularly inspect battery-operated as well as reserve power systems
- Pay attention to official instructions on TV and radio
- Practise actions to be taken in case of emergencies
- If you do not live in a mud house/hut, choose a part of the house as an emergency shelter and practise how
- members of the house will use the space during the cyclone
- Keep an emergency kit ready
- Stay away from windows. Close some windows and keep some open so the pressure is maintained.
- Stay at the centre of the room. Stay away from the corners as debris often accumulates in the corners
- Hide under strong furniture such as a stool or a heavy table or desk, hold it tight
- Use your hands to protect your head and neck
- Avoid large roof spaces such as auditoriums or shopping malls
- If you find an open space and there is enough time, find the right shelter in the nearest pit or pasture
- Relocate to a predetermined or administration determined location
- Disconnect power supply of all non-emergency equipment and tools
- Store drinking water in a clean place
- Help people trapped or injured. Provide first aid if needed
- Check for air leaks. If you smell gas or hear a leaking sound, immediately open the windows and exit the
- building. If possible, turn off the gas valve and report to the gas company
- Check for damage to electrical equipment. If you notice sparks, exposed wires, or burning smell of rubber,
- disconnect the main power supply and call the electrician
- Help those in need of special help like children, physically challenged, elderly, neighbours
What you shouldn't do
- Don't spread or believe in rumours
- Do not attempt to drive or ride any vehicle during the cyclone
- Stay away from damaged buildings
- Do not move injured people unless it is absolutely safe to do so. It may cause more harm
- Do not allow oil and other flammable substances to spill. Clean immediately