Cyclone Biparjoy Approaches Gujarat Coast, Evacuations Underway 

Cyclone Biparjoy Approaches Gujarat Coast, Evacuations Underway 

by Editor

Introduction-

Cyclone Biparjoy, originating in the Arabian Sea, is intensifying and heading towards the Gujarat coast. The cyclone is expected to make landfall at Jakhau Port in the Kutch district on the afternoon of June 15. While the cyclone has weakened to some extent, it still poses a significant threat. Heavy winds and rainfall have already affected coastal areas of Gujarat and Mumbai, resulting in the unfortunate loss of five lives. 

Evacuation Efforts in Gujarat:

In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, people from the coastal districts of Gujarat, namely Kutch, Porbandar, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Morbi, are being relocated to safer places. So far, approximately 7,500 individuals have been shifted to secure locations. As part of a major campaign, around 23,000 people from villages located within a 10-kilometer range of the seashore in Kutch-Saurashtra will be relocated to shelter homes starting today. 

Government Response:

Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, held a meeting with the ministers of state disaster management departments from various states and union territories in Delhi today to discuss the cyclone’s preparedness and response. 
 

 

Cyclone Route and Intensity:

According to the latest update from the meteorological department at 9:00 AM, the cyclone is progressing northwestward at a speed of 150 km/h. At the time of the update, it was approximately 300 km from Porbandar, 290 km from Dwarka, 340 km from Jakhau Port, and 350 km from Naliya. The meteorological department predicts that the cyclone will continue moving northward until the morning of June 14 and then turn northeastward.

Alerts and Precautions:

Orange alert has been issued for June 14, while a red alert has been issued for June 15 for various districts including Kutch, Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, and Morbi. These areas are likely to experience heavy rainfall, with the possibility of up to 20 cm of rainfall in Kutch, Dwarka, and Jamnagar. Consequently, there is a risk of flooding in the lower-lying regions. 

Casualties and Precautionary Measures:

As a result of the cyclone, five casualties have been reported in Gujarat and Maharashtra. Two children in Bhuj were killed when a wall collapsed, and a woman in Rajkot was struck by a fallen tree. In Mumbai, four boys who went for a swim at Juhu Beach went missing, with two bodies recovered and two still missing. 

 

Prime Minister’s Meeting and Safety Measures:

Concerned about the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held an emergency meeting on Monday. The meeting was attended by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the military. The Prime Minister instructed authorities to ensure the safe evacuation of people from vulnerable areas. Additionally, he emphasized the need for coordination among various agencies to minimize the impact of the cyclone. 

Conclusion:

With Cyclone Biparjoy approaching the Gujarat coast, authorities are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of the residents. Evacuation efforts are underway, and alerts have been issued for the affected districts. The government, along with the meteorological department and rescue agencies, is closely monitoring the cyclone’s movement to mitigate its potential impact. It is crucial for people in the coastal areas to follow official instructions and stay updated on the evolving situation to protect themselves and their communities.

 

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