The western coast which includes one of India's most densely populated cities like, Mumbai, Thane, Kalyan- Dombivli, Ulhasnagar, Badlapur, Palghar, Mira-Bhayander, Vasai-Virar is bracing for a severe tropical cyclonic storm, something it has never seen in last 129 years. The Indian Met Department (IMD) has warned the cyclone could make landfall along the 260-km stretch between Maharashtra's Raigad to Daman. A high alert has been issued in Mumbai, Thane and adjoining areas.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the cyclonic storm Nisarga will hit North Maharashtra and South Gujarat coasts on June 3. The low-pressure area developing over the Arabian sea is likely to intensify into a 'severe cyclone', the IMD has said. At the moment, the storm is brewing in the Arabian sea near Lakshadweep. A red alert has been issued for Mumbai, Palgarh and several cities. The cyclonic storm is expected to bring high winds and heavy rain in the region. 10 units of NDRF have been deployed while state and national disaster management authorities are fine-tuning their preparations. Thousands of people along the coast of Maharashtra and Gujarat have been evacuated or are in process of being evacuated. The IMD has also issued a flash flood warning in Ratnagiri, Thane, Palghar, Mumbai and Nashik. The 260 km patch between Raigad and Daman has one of the highest population densities in the country.

Where is Cyclone Nisarga now?

"Now Cyclone Nisarga seems to head north of Mumbai, towards Palghar and Dahanu. Mumbaikars to brace up for very heavy rains and gale-force winds. Crucial time is between the evening of June 2nd and the afternoon of June 3rd," Mahesh Palawat, Vice president Meteorology And climate Change at SkymetWeather, said.

Helpline numbers have been issued in case of any emergency during the cyclone.

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