National Desk, 14 June: The Saurashtra and Kutch coasts of Gujarat were warned of Cyclone “Biparjoy” on Wednesday by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
By the evening of June 15, it is highly likely to proceed almost northeastward, traverse Saurashtra and Kutch as well as the neighbouring Pakistani beaches between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan near Jakhau Port (Gujarat).
“Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts: RED MESSAGE. VSCS BIPARJOY at 0530IST of today over NE Arabian Sea near lat 21.9N and long 66.3E, about 280km WSW of Jakhau Port (Gujarat), 290km WSW of Devbhumi Dwarka,” tweeted IMD.
“It is very likely to move nearly northeastwards and cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by the evening of 15th June as a very severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph,” it read.
In Rajkot, a relay tower that had been deemed dangerous was destroyed due to Cyclone Biparjoy. And IMD Issues red alert in Gujrat’s Saurashtra and Kutch coasts.
“A relay tower that was declared unsafe has been demolished here, in view of cyclone Biparjoy. A new tower will be constructed here later,” said Ramesh Chandra, Akashvani- Rajkot.
Meanwhile, fishing has been prohibited in the wake of the storm, resulting in a huge number of boats being beached at Bhuj’s Jakhau Port.
By the evening of June 15, Cyclone “Biparjoy” is expected to cross near Gujarat’s Jakhau Port.
Twelve NDRF teams have been deployed to Gujarat in preparation for the cyclone which the IMD now calls a “very severe” cyclonic storm.
According to Union Minister Parshottam Rupala, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the arrangements and gave officials the go-ahead to be vigilant and take all required action.
Residents of coastal communities in Gujarat’s Junagadh were being shifted to shelters.
“More than 400 shelter homes have been identified in the Dwarka district and people are being shifted to shelter homes. PM took stock of the arrangements from concerned officials and ministers and directed them to be on alert mode and take all necessary steps,” said Parshottam Rupala.
Also read: Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD Issues Orange Alert For Saurashtra And Kutch Coasts In Gujarat