Maharashtra and Gujarat activated their disaster response mechanism as they deployed NDRF teams and started evacuating people from vulnerable areas on Tuesday to avoid loss of life in view of the approaching cyclonic storm 'Nisarga' 

In picture: The Mumbai skyline in the background as rains lash the city on Tuesday evening

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclonic storm is likely to intensify and cross the coast of Maharashtra and south Gujarat on Wednesday.

In picture: Youngsters stand near the 'Love Mumbai' art installation at Bandra Reclamation.

The Navy has kept five flood teams and three diving teams on stand-by in Mumbai, a defence spokesperson said. These teams, trained and equipped for rescue operations, are stationed at various naval areas across Mumbai and can provide early response over a larger area, he said.

In picture: Fishermen of Khar Danda Koliwada prepare to evacuate in view of Cyclone Nisarga.

A recce of known flood-prone areas in Mumbai has been undertaken and all necessary preparations are in place, said the state government.

In picture: A man observing the sea at the Khar Danda Koliwada in Mumbai 

Similar arrangements have been set up within the Karwar Naval Area, Goa Naval Area as well as Gujarat Daman and Diu Naval Areas.

In picture: Fire brigade officials conduct a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty

High wind speeds ranging up to 100-110 kmph gusting to 120 kmph are expected, accompanied by heavy rainfall and storm surges of 1-2 metres in the coastal districts of the state, said the IMD

In picture: COVID-19 patients under treatment at the quarantine facility in the MMRDA Grounds being shifted to other hospitals before Cyclone Nisarga makes a landfall.

The Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh on Tuesday issued prohibitory orders restricting movement of people along the Mumbai coastline from Tuesday to Thursday afternoon, in view of the threat posed by impending cyclonic storm Nisarga.

In picture: A fishing boat docked at Khar Danda Koliwada.

According to a statement released by the Mumbai police, as per the India Meteorological Department's warning, the city was expected to be severely impacted by the cyclone 

In picture: A woman protects her child from the rainshowers caused by the impending Cyclone Nisarga

With this order Mumbai police has prohibited any presence or movement of one or more persons in public places along the beaches, promenades, parks and other such places near the coastline where people may gather," the order said.

In picture: Residents of a slum near Bandra Bandstand sit near the shore.

Those violating the order can face action under IPC section 188 (defying an order lawfully promulgated by a public servant), the statement read.

In picture: Residents of Ganesh Nagar near Bandra Bandstand prepare themselves from the impact to be caused by the Cyclone Nisarga

Elaborating on Maharashtra government's preparedness for the approaching cyclonic storm, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) tweeted that an alert has been issued for Mumbai city and suburbs, Thane, Palghar, Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts.

In picture: Children play at the promenade of Bandra Bandstand  

It also said precautions will be taken during relief work given the prevalence of COVID-19.

In picture: A woman tries to cross the road as rains lash Mumbai ahead of the Cyclone Nisarga making a landfall

The office also said those staying in kuccha houses are being moved to safer places, adding that non-COVID hospitals are being made available.

In picture: Youngsters ride a two-wheeler at Kalbadevi as rains lash the city ahead of the Cyclone Nisarga making a landfall

In Raigad district, which is expected to get the full force of the cyclone, 19,000 people have already been evacuated to safer areas.

In picture:  Fire brigade officials roll a speed boat away from the shore while conducting a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty

The CMO informed on Twitter that people living in the slums in the low-lying areas have been ordered to be evacuated.

In picture: Children pull a hand cart in Kalbadevi as rains lash the city ahead of the Cyclone Nisarga making a landfall

A control room set up at the Mantralaya would be operational round the clock, with the armed forces and navy, air force and the IMD instructed to coordinate accordingly, said the CMO.

In picture: Fire brigade officials conduct a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday assured all assistance to Maharashtra, Gujarat, Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli regarding the cyclone situation.

In picture: A child stands at the shore while fire brigade officials conduct a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty

PM Modi spoke to Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, his Gujarat counterpart Vijay Rupani and Administrator of Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Praful K Patel regarding the cyclone situation and assured all possible support and assistance from the Centre.

In picture: Senior officials in the fire brigade instruct other officials while conducting a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty

In a tweet, the Prime Minister's office said: "PM Narendra Modi has spoken to CM of Maharashtra Shri Uddhav Thackeray, CM of Gujarat Shri Vijay Rupani and Administrator of Daman Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli Praful K Patel regarding the cyclone situation. He assured all possible support and assistance from the Centre."

 In picture: Fire brigade officials carry surfboards away from the shore while conducting a response drill at  Girgaum Chowpatty