Cyclone Biparjoy makes landfall at Gujarat coast, over 1 lakh evacuated

The landfall process of Cyclone Biparjoy has begun and is expected to continue till midnight. Over one lakh people have been moved to safe places in Gujarat.

"The landfall process has commenced over the coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch. It will continue till midnight," said IMD DG Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.

Several districts of Gujarat have been witnessing heavy rainfall and strong winds. A total of 18 NDRF teams have been stationed in Gujarat to help rescue operations. The Indian Coast Guard has prepared 15 ships and seven aircraft for rescue ops, It has also prepared 23 disaster relief teams with 29 gemini boats, 50 OBMs (Out Board Motor) for boats, 1000 lifejackets and 200 lifebuoys to aid civil authorities, reported India Today.

Flights suspended till June 16 at Jamnagar airport

With the onset of the cyclone coming with huge force, the airport authorities at Jamnagar, Gujarat have taken a decision to suspend flights till June 16. 

"Preparations have been completed at Jamnagar airport to deal with Cyclone Biparjoy. NOTAM issued till June 16 - movement of all flights will be suspended from 1.30 pm to 4 pm. Diesel and petrol required to operate the airport in case of emergency have also been stored. There is no aircraft in the parking area at the airport now," said DK Singh, Director, Jamnagar Airport.

Gujarat Home Minister in Dwarka

Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi was at Gomti Ghat in Dwarka to review the situation, where the wind speed is expected to accelerate from 60-70 kmph to 110-125 kmph. 

• High wind speed resulted in several trees being uprooted in the Dwarka region of Gujarat.

• Fisher colony in Rupen Bandar, Dwarka, was evacuated ahead of the expected landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy.

Cyclone to intensify by 4-8 pm as per NDRF: "Teams are taking stock of the low-lying areas. Relief work is underway. Its (Cyclone Biparjoy) effect will be maximum till 4-8 pm," Anupam, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, Gandhinagar, told news agency ANI. 

More than 47,000 people shifted to shelter homes

Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel told ANI that more than 47,000 people have already been moved to shelter homes in the Kachchh district, and urged people to avoid unnecessary travel.

"More than 47,000 people have been shifted to shelter homes in the Kachchh district. All pregnant women moved to hospitals and other safe locations. Our aim is to ensure zero casualties. I appeal to people to remain safe at their respective locations and avoid travel," said Patel.

Indian Army prepared to face the hit

The preparedness of the Indian Army for relief and rescue operations in anticipation of the arrival of Cyclone Biparjoy can be seen in a video shared by ANI. Life jackets, extra sheets have been stocked up, and soldiers are prepared to rescue people in cases of emergency. 

IMD's warning 

The Indian Meteorological Department stated that regions in Kachchh, Porbandar and Dwarka are among the places likely to be hit severely by the cyclone.

"Biparjoy is a very severe cyclonic storm with damaging potential. 2-3 m high tidal waves are expected in Kachchh and extremely heavy rainfall with high windspeed expected in Porbandar and Dwarka districts," Dr Mrityunjay Mohapatra, Director General, IMD told ANI.

ALSO READ: Cyclone Biparjoy prances towards Gujarat coast with NDRF on alert

Gujarat authorities on alert

The Gujarat government has stocked an ample supply of ration for those who are being evacuated.

According to Kachchh District Collector Amit Arora, all shelter homes have more than enough food available for the evacuees.

"The cyclone is expected to make landfall between 4-5 pm today. 46,000 people evacuated & shifted to shelter homes. 6 NDRF, 3 RPF teams, 2 SDRF teams & 8 columns of Army on standby. More than 20,000 animals have been taken to safer places. Adequate amount of food ration available at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance," said  Arora. 

The situation in Mumbai

The sea conditions at Mumbai's Gateway of India have become turbulent due to the approaching cyclone, which is anticipated to reach the coast of Gujarat this afternoon. The cyclone is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast in the evening and will then move across the Rann of Kutch, extending up to Rajasthan.

Storm surge warning map by IMD

The IMD also issued a storm surge warning map based on the cyclone forecast.

In Pakistan

Ahead of the anticipated landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy on Thursday, approximately 62,000 individuals have been relocated to safer locations in Pakistan's southern Sindh province. It is expected that the cyclone will make landfall between Keti Bandar Port in Sindh's Thatta district and the Kachchh district in Gujarat, India.

Sharjeel Memon, the Sindh Information Minister, informed the media that the evacuation efforts targeted areas near the coastal regions of Sindh.

Cyclone Biparjoy

This cyclone has been baptised Biparjoy by Bangladesh. Biparjoy means calamity in Bangla.