Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ is expected to make landfall in Gujarat between 4-5 p.m. on Thursday with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour.
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Railway Protection Force (RPF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and Army units are on standby to provide assistance and support, said Amit Arora, the collector of Kutch, Gujarat.
While 18 NDRF teams have been placed in Gujarat, one has been stationed in neighbouring Diu in the newly formed Union territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Consequently, authorities have evacuated a total of 74,000 residents from vulnerable areas, specifically 120 villages situated within 10 kilometres of the seashore in Kutch district.
Over 20,000 animals have been shifted to safer locations, adequate supply of rations at all shelter homes is ensured and 50 teams have been deployed for road clearance operations.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts that the cyclone will make landfall near Jakhau port as a very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour.
The Navy has placed four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities on standby. Additionally, relief teams are stationed at Porbandar, Okha, and Valsura, ready to provide immediate assistance. Helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are prepared to be deployed to Gujarat if necessary.
IMD Warning: Damage expected in these areas
Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to destroy thatched houses and cause extensive damage to kutcha houses, and slight damage to pucca houses. Flying objects pose a potential threat, and power and communication poles may bend or uproot due to the severe cyclonic storm.
Major damage to roads, flooding of escape routes, disruption of railways, power lines, and signaling systems is anticipated. Standing crops, plantations, orchards, and coconut trees are at risk of damage, while bushy trees like mango may be blown down. Small boats and country crafts may become detached from their moorings, and visibility will be severely affected by salt spray.
Warning for fishermen
Fishermen are strongly advised to suspend all fishing operations in the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. Those currently at sea are urged to return to the coast. Offshore and onshore activities should be regulated cautiously, and precautions should be taken at ports along the west coast of the country. Naval bases are also instructed to maintain necessary precautions.
Movement of motor boats and small ships in these areas should be avoided. Evacuation measures should be mobilised for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch, while rail and road traffic should be regulated. People in affected areas are advised to remain indoors, and tourism activities may be restricted during this period.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to respond promptly to any emergencies that may arise.
Mandaviya reviews preparedness measures
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday reviewed the preparedness measures being taken in Kutch for cyclone Biparjoy.
The Union health minister visited the Bhuj Air Force station to take stock of the preparations made by ‘Garuda’ Emergency Response Team of the Indian Air Force.
He said “our jawans are fully prepared for the safety of life and property from the cyclone.”
He also reviewed the availability of oxygen, ventilators and critical care beds in Kutch district government hospitals, trust-run hospitals and other hospitals in the region.
He further reviewed the preparations of health facilities that will be made immediately available if needed, post the cyclone.
Mandaviya interacted with drivers of 108 emergency ambulance service in Kutch and stated that “their enthusiasm and support have been a confidence booster”.
He said under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, “all possible arrangements are being made by the central and state governments to deal with cyclone Biparjoy.”
17 SDRF teams deployed in Rajasthan
Seventeen SDRF teams have been deployed in Rajasthan to deal with the impact of very severe cyclone Biparjoy which is expected to make landfall on the Gujarat coast Thursday, a top official said on Wednesday.
Rajasthan Chief Secretary Usha Sharma held a meeting with officials of various departments and district collectors to review the preparations to deal with the effects of the cyclone.
A meteorological department official said in the meeting that under the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, a deep depression will hit Jalore and Barmer on June 16, bringing heavy rains and thunderstorms with wind speeds up to 50 to 60 km per hour.
Sharma said 17 SDRF teams have been deployed and 30 teams are in reserve and directed the officers to be present at their headquarters to deal with the situation.
The district collectors present in the meeting said that power, health and police departments have been alerted to deal with any impending situation.
