A large cyclone is heading towards the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, weather experts warn.
The threat of the storm coming in from the Arabian Sea has prompted the authorities in Mumbai (Bombay) to close schools, shops and offices.
The start of the one-day cricket series between India and Australia in the city has been delayed because of heavy rain.
The precise path the cyclone will take is not clear. It is expected to grow in intensity overnight on Wednesday.
India is regularly hit by cyclones. Rain has been in short supply in large parts of Maharashtra recently, with many areas experiencing drought.
High winds
The imminent arrival of Cyclone Phyan on India's western coast has already affected hundreds of fishermen.
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They were ordered to turn back as it approached from the Arabian Sea south-west of Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital.
Rain lashed parts of western India for much of Tuesday and is expected to become more torrential on Wednesday, with winds speeds of up to 90km/h (55mph), the India Meteorological Department said.
In Mumbai, air and train services remained unaffected despite the closure of schools and offices.
The authorities in the neighbouring state of Gujarat are closely watching 175 villages in 12 coastal districts where they have warned that thousands of people may have to be evacuated to safer areas.
Heavy rain and high winds are also being forecast off Goa, Karnataka and Kerala, other states on the west coast, over the next two days.
Officials say it is difficult at present to predict the course of the cyclone, which may veer off in another direction in the Arabian Sea or lose strength as it travels inland.
POSTED BY :
PALLAVI SINGH
PGDM III SEM
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