Gandhinagar: Severe Cyclonic storm Biparjoy is moving fast towards Gujarat. According to the latest information released by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone will have landfall at the Kutch coast between 4 and 8 pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, wind gusts of 125 to 150 kmph are likely, which means the cyclone will uproot anything in its path. Heavy rain has been predicted in North Gujarat including Saurashtra and Kutch. India Meteorological Department has expressed the possibility of heavy rain on June 16 and 17. The storm has become so severe that its effects are being seen in the surrounding areas apart from the coastal areas.
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According to IMD, Cyclone Biparjoy over Northeast Arabian Sea was located at 220 km southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat), 230 km west-southwest of Devbhumi Dwarka as of 2030 hours IST of today, the 14th June.
Ham radio and satellite phone facility ready
Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey said that teams of NDRF and SDRF are on alert mode regarding the storm. Besides, the help of army personnel is also being taken. The deployment of personnel in the coastal areas has been increased. Ham radio and satellite phone facilities are kept ready in case mobile and internet services are disrupted during calamities like cyclones and floods. In view of this, the services of satellite phones, ham radio, G-SWAN network have also been kept ready as part of vigilance. Mobile service operators have also been instructed by the state government to operate alternative towers as a precautionary measure.
Cyclone 240 km away from Jakhau
The IMD in its latest statement said that cyclonic storm Biparjoy is currently 220 km away from Jakhau. After wreaking havoc in Gujarat, the cyclone will move towards Rajasthan. Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall between 4 pm and 8 pm. The maximum impact of the cyclone will be seen in Kutch. Cyclone Biparjoy is currently moving at a slow pace.
Evacuation of more than 74 thousand people
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel held a meeting with senior officials including the Chief Secretary at the State Emergency Operation Centre. CM Patel got the details of the planning done by the administration against the possible situation arising due to the severe cyclone and made necessary suggestions. Giving details of the review meeting, Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey said that the state government has laid special emphasis on migration. So far more than 74 thousand people from 8 districts have been shifted to safe place.
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