With key officials in attendance and districts on high alert, preparations are underway to mitigate the effects of the approaching cyclone and ensure the safety of the coastal communities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted a high-level meeting on Monday to assess the situation concerning Cyclone Biparjoy, which is expected to make landfall in Gujarat's Kutch region on Thursday. The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Principal Secretary P K Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran, and Kamal Kishore from the National Disaster Management Authority.
During the meeting, PM Modi directed officials to take every possible measure to ensure the safe evacuation of individuals residing in vulnerable areas. Stressing the importance of maintaining essential services, he emphasized the need for preparedness to swiftly restore these services in the event of any damages caused by the cyclone. The Prime Minister also expressed concern for the safety of animals and urged officials to prioritize their well-being during the evacuation process.
As per the presentation shared during the meeting, several districts, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi, are likely to experience stormy weather with wind speeds ranging from 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph, from morning to evening on June 15.
In light of the approaching cyclone, authorities have suspended fishing activities along Gujarat's south and north coasts. Additionally, people residing in coastal districts are being evacuated as a precautionary measure. Notably, around 1,300 individuals in coastal Devbhumi Dwarka have already been shifted to safer locations.
According to the latest bulletin from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the "extremely severe cyclonic storm" is projected to move north-northeast and make landfall between Mandvi in Gujarat and Karachi in Pakistan by noon on June 15. It is expected to be categorized as a "very severe cyclonic storm" with sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan government has advised authorities in Sindh and Balochistan to remain vigilant.
(With PTI Inputs)