Cyclone Nisarga: DOs & DONT's Issued For Mumbai Residents By BMC; Check Safety Tips For Cyclone

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued guidelines to ensure Mumbai residents remain safe and sound during this time.

Mumbai: As Maharasthra grapples with the Covid-19 outbreak which has affected it severely, the state is now bracing up for the Cyclone Nisarga following which the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued guidelines to ensure residents remain safe and sound during this time. Cyclone Nisarga is said to be the first such storm to strike the financial capital Mumbai almost after a century, is heading to the Maharashtra and Gujarat coasts. It has advanced and expected to make landfall at Alibaug, around 100 km from the capital, this afternoon. "Wind speed of about 80 to 90 kmph expected over Maharashtra's Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg & Palghar. Over Gujarat's Navsari & Valsad wind speed of about 60-80 kmph is expected. By midnight it will weaken & by tomorrow morning it will become depression," said Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, DGM, IMD. Here is the list of dos and don’ts issued in the interest of the citizens.

What you should be doing?

• 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

Also check these visuals:

• 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 should be avoiding?

• 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

DOs and DONTs for Mumbaikars to take on Cyclone Nisarga.

Dial 1916 and Press 4 for any cyclone related query or concern.#BMCNisargaUpdates pic.twitter.com/HY9xYVUmLD — माझी Mumbai, आपली BMC (@mybmc) June 2, 2020

Even Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackery has also shared the guidelines on Twitter and asked the residents to fight teh storm like they have been standing up to the Corona pandemic.