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Severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy makes landfall in Gujarat’s Kutch

  • TNI Team

    • Winds are gusting at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour along the coast

    NEW DELHI: Cyclone Biparjoy has commenced its landfall in the coastal region of Kutch, Gujarat. As a result, winds are gusting at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour along the coast. The government of India is taking all necessary measures to minimise the damage caused by the cyclone.

    Multiple agencies, including the Indian Army and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), have been deployed to the affected areas. Central government ministers are personally monitoring the situation. Home Minister Amit Shah has cancelled his Telangana tour due to the imminent threat of Cyclone Biparjoy.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Biparjoy has hit the Gujarat coast. It is projected to cross the coastline between Mandvi in India and Karachi in Pakistan, passing through Saurashtra, Kutch, and Jakhau Port. The Meteorological Department estimates that the landfall process will persist for approximately four hours.

    ALSO READ: Rescuers, food & water in place as Gujarat braces for Biparjoy

    Categorised as a severe cyclonic storm of Category 3, Biparjoy is expected to reach maximum wind speeds of 115-125 km/h. The wind velocity is likely to intensify in the afternoon.

    Today, Gujarat Chief minister Bhupendra Patel chaired a meeting at the State Emergency Operation Center in Gandhinagar to assess the preparedness for tackling the cyclone. The state government reported that around 100,000 individuals have been relocated to temporary shelters in the eight coastal districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Morbi, Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, and Gir Somnath.

    ALSO READ: Cyclone Biparjoy to cover 8 Gujarat districts at 135 kmph; to hit at 5 pm

    The India Meteorological Department has warned that the landfall, coupled with the astronomical tide, may result in the inundation of low-lying areas in the affected districts due to a storm surge of approximately two to three metres.

    The Meteorological Department predicts waves measuring three to six metres at certain locations. IMD officials also stated that other districts in Gujarat, in addition to Saurashtra and Kutch, are likely to experience light rainfall accompanied by wind speeds of 40 km/h.

    Officials have assured that comprehensive preparations have been made to prevent disruptions in electricity and water supply, considering the potential damage caused by the cyclone.

    In Pakistan, approximately 67,000 people have been evacuated from their homes in the southern Sindh province ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy’s landfall along the country’s coastal areas on Thursday. Preparations are underway to cope with heavy rains and potential floods in various cities. The army has been called in for assistance.

    The Indian Defence Ministry has confirmed that all branches of the armed forces, including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indian Coast Guard, have made necessary arrangements to aid the local population of Gujarat.

    Heavy rainfall is being witnessed in numerous parts of Gujarat, with the Meteorological Department issuing warnings of further downpours. Some areas may experience conditions resembling floods.

    The IMD has stated that the landfall process will persist throughout the night, accompanied by heavy rainfall in the surrounding areas.

     

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