Mumbai: According to the IMD sources cyclone Nisarga is expected to weaken into a deep depression within the six hours and currently it lays centered over Pune in Maharashtra. Cyclone Nisarga made landfall near Mumbai on Wednesday, the cyclone slammed Maharashtra coast with wind speed of upto 120 Km/hr. The landfall at Alibaug at 12.30 pm in Raigad district near Mumbai, the process was completed by 2.30 pm, said a senior IMD officer.

The people of Mumbai and neighbouring areas, including those in coastal Gujarat districts had braced for the cyclone but heaved a sigh of relief as Nisarga’s damage appeared limited to uprooting of trees in affected areas. Ahead of Nisarga’s landfall, trains rescheduled, flights cancelled, fisherman ordered out of the seas and rescue workers were put on standby. This cyclone was the first major cyclone Mumbai would have faced in 72 years, according to a professor of Atmospheric Science at Colombia University in New York.

Alibaug is a quaint little town located about 110 Kms from Mumbai and is dotted with sandy beaches, several forts and temples. A speed boat from Mumbai to Mandwajetty near Alibaug takes 20 minutes. Kaccha houses, trees, electric poles may fall as they may not be able to withstand the speed of the storm, said the IMD. However, the cyclone weakened into a depression, it was clear that the extent of damage was far lesser than anticipated.