Cyclone Biparjoy prances towards Gujarat coast with NDRF on alert and 37k evacuated

As Cyclone Biparjoy is moving towards the Kutch coast in Gujarat, the government said they have so far evacuated nearly 37,800 people living near the sea in eight districts of the state. The cyclone will make landfall near Jakhau port on the evening of June 15, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).

“VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) BIPARJOY over Arabian sea moved north northwestward and lay centered at 2.30 IST of 14th June, about 280 km WSW of Jakhau port. To cross near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by evening of 15th June as VSCS,” IMD said in the latest post.

Schools have been shut in various districts of Gujarat and as many as 17 NDRF teams are on alert. The IMD has also predicted rainfall in eight states and UTs in view of cyclone Biparjoy.

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Extremely heavy rainfall expected over Devbhoomi Dwarka, heavy to very heavy rainfall expected over Kutch, Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh districts, said Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD, reported ANI.

Gujarat's Porbandar faced disruptions in traffic and the uprooting of multiple trees as heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds occurred. The IMD has issued a weather advisory for various states and union territories, including Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Lakshadweep, among others.

In Gujarat, fishing activities have been halted until June 16, ports are closed, and ships are secured due to the cyclone's approach, as the sea has become turbulent .

Gujarat CM reviews preparedness

On Wednesday, Gujarat's Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted a review meeting at the State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar to assess the level of preparedness for Cyclone Biparjoy.

Red Alert by IMD

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued red alert in the the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, as well as the adjacent coasts of Pakistan for June 15. The anticipated location for the crossing is near Jakhau Port in Gujarat, between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan), expected to occur by the evening.

Gujarat CM urges residents to prioritize safety and comply with official guidance

Several trains cancelled

The Western Railway has cancelled several trains that pass through, start from, or end in the areas of Gujarat affected by the cyclone.

Moving towards Pakistan

As cyclone Biparjoy continues to develop in the Arabian Sea, the government of Balochistan (in Pakistan) has declared a state of emergency in the coastal areas of the province. A Section 144 order has been issued in the coastal belt, and all departments and law enforcement organizations have been placed on high alert to effectively manage the situation.

Impact in Gujarat and Mumbai

As cyclone Biparjoy approached the Mandvi Beach in the Kutch district of Gujarat, all activities have been halted. The region has been experiencing the impact of cyclone with the occurrence of powerful winds and high tides at the beach. 

A look at the scenario in the morning in the Kutch district

High tides were observed in Mumbai's Marine Drive as well.