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Cyclone threatens western India Mumbai cyclone threat 'recedes'
(about 4 hours later)
A large cyclone is heading towards the western Indian states of Maharashtra and Gujarat, weather experts warn. The threat posed by a cyclone off the western coast of the Indian state of Maharashtra is receding, officials say.
The threat of the storm coming in from the Arabian Sea has prompted the authorities in Mumbai (Bombay) to close schools, shops and offices. But a relief and rehabilitation department spokesman in Mumbai said that precautions still need to be taken against the threat of a violent storm.
The start of the one-day cricket series between India and Australia in the city has been delayed because of heavy rain. Warnings of a cyclone coming in from the Arabian Sea prompted the authorities in Mumbai (Bombay) to close schools, shops and offices.
The precise path the cyclone will take is not clear. It is expected to grow in intensity overnight on Wednesday. Experts say that the precise path of the storm is still not clear.
The start of the one-day cricket series between India and Australia in Mumbai was delayed because of heavy rain.
India is regularly hit by cyclones. Rain has been in short supply in large parts of Maharashtra recently, with many areas experiencing drought.India is regularly hit by cyclones. Rain has been in short supply in large parts of Maharashtra recently, with many areas experiencing drought.
High windsHigh winds
The imminent arrival of Cyclone Phyan on India's western coast has already affected hundreds of fishermen. The Indian Meteorological Department said on Wednesday that while sea winds continue to blow at 80km/h (50mph), the force of the rain was decreasing.
They were ordered to turn back as it approached from the Arabian Sea south-west of Mumbai, India's financial and entertainment capital. So far the storm has only caused relatively minor damage - with houses collapsing in some coastal areas because of the heavy rain. At least one person died because of a collapsing tree and five fishing boats are missing at sea.
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. Rain lashed parts of western India for much of Tuesday, the met office said.
In Mumbai, air and train services remained unaffected despite the closure of schools and offices. In Mumbai, air and train services remained unaffected.
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.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.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. Officials say it is difficult at present to predict the course of the storm, which may veer off in another direction in the Arabian Sea or lose strength as it travels inland.