The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had said on Friday that the depression in the Arabian Sea is likely to intensify into a “very severe cyclonic storm” on May 17 and cross the Gujarat coast a day later.

It had also said the weather condition has intensified into a deep depression, and it is very likely to further intensify into cyclonic storm Tauktae by Saturday morning. It is very likely to intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday night.

About 310 persons from 100 families in Vadakara village of Kozhikode district, living in low-lying areas and coastal regions were shifted to safety while seven persons from Thoppa in Kasaba village were shifted to temporary camps. As many as 17 families from Kappalangadi and two families from Vakkadavu and six families of Kadalundikkadavu were also shifted to relief camps and relatives’ houses in view of the rough sea experienced here.

With the non-stop downpour, the sea has turned rough in Kasaragod. Though no untoward incident has been reported yet, a few families near Cherangai coast were asked to move to relatives’ place after their houses were inundated. No relief camps have been opened as of now because of the Covid-19 protocols in place in the state. There is a fear that relief camps might result in more spread of the virus.