Very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy to make landfall near Jakhau port in Kutch district of Gujarat this evening

The very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy is expected to make landfall today in the evening near the Jakhau port of the Kutch district of Gujarat. According to India Meteorological Department, the storm is expected to cause massive damage.

It is very likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandavi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau port of Gujarat with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kilometers per hour gusting to 150 kilometers per hour.

The sea condition is likely to be very rough. IMD issued a red massage cyclone warning for coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch districts. Biparjoy is currently located 210 km west-south-west of Jakhau port, 220 km west-south-west of Devbhoomi Dwarka, and 230 km west-south-west of Naliya.

The Met office has also predicted rain all over Gujarat for four days from today. Heavy to very heavy rain is likely over Kutch and Saurashtra. From today, heavy rain and destructive winds will start blowing.

The maximum impact of the severe storm will be seen in Kutch, Jamnagar, and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts. There is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the coastal areas of these districts. Conditions are likely to worsen this evening.

The state government has coordinated the assistance of the Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, and Army if required during this potential disaster and these agencies are also on standby for disaster management.

As a precautionary measure, over four thousand hoardings have been removed in districts prone to cyclones. A team of 597 personnel from the PGVCL has been assembled to swiftly restore the electricity supply after the cyclone subsides.

Essential wire poles have been made readily available at all substations, and teams from other districts have been mobilized to expedite the power restoration process in the affected areas. Shelter homes have been established in government schools and offices in the districts affected by the cyclone in coastal areas.

These facilities provide safe accommodations along with essential provisions such as food, water, and medicine.

Additionally, nearby locations have been equipped with health centers, both public and private hospitals, where sufficient medical staff and necessary medications are available. Generator sets and other essential healthcare services have also been arranged.

Western Railway has decided to cancel more some trains as a precautionary measure in cyclone-prone areas including Train no. 20938 Delhi Sarai-Porbandar Express, Train No. 19120 Veraval-Ahmedabad Express, Train No. 09522 Veraval-Rajkot Special, Train No. 09516 Porbandar-Kanalus Special and Train No. 09596 Porbandar- Rajkot Special.

Satellite phones and ham radio services have been put on standby to address any potential disruptions in the communication system due to heavy rains or storms. Moreover, mobile service operators have been instructed to keep alternative towers operational as a precautionary measure.

In view of the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, more than 74,000 people have been safely relocated across 8 districts of the state. The system is fully equipped to deal with any eventuality. Currently, State Government has deployed 34 teams of NDRF and SDRF to deal with the possible effects of Cyclone Storm Biparjoy.

125,000 food packets have been prepared by the state administration. 69 PHCs, 16 CHCs have been prepared in possible affected areas. 20 medical officers have been deputed from other districts. Considering the situation, Shree Somnath Temple will remain closed for today.