“Very Severe Cyclonic Storm” Biparjoy Less Than 200 km From Gujarat Coast; 74,000 People Evacuated

Cyclone Biparjoy is rapidly approaching the Gujarat coast, being less than 200 km away. The impending landfall is set to happen on 15 June between 4 pm and 8 pm.

This weather disturbance is expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds in a storm surge. As a result, 74,000 people living in vulnerable areas have been evacuated.

To ensure people's safety, the local administration has acted quickly to evacuate people from nearly 120 villages located between zero and 10 km from the seashore in the Kutch district.

Based on the India Meteorological Department (IMD)'s observation, Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau port as a "very severe cyclonic storm."

The maximum wind speed is expected to reach up to 150 km per hour. Such a storm can cause severe damage to property and high potential injuries to people.

The IMD has also warned that as the cyclone approaches the coast, the intensity of rainfall will increase. It is predicted that Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts will likely witness extremely heavy rainfall.

A standby team comprising Army, Navy, and Indian Air Force units are geared up for a relief operation in case of an emergency. In their diligent efforts, the Indian Coast Guard has also made necessary preparations to provide assistance to the locals in Gujarat.

The Indian Army has deployed over 27 relief columns in various places, such as Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidam, Mandvi, and Dwarka.

The Army officials are also working jointly with the civil administration and NDRF teams to operate effective relief operations, according to Ministry of Defense Spokesperson Wing Commander N Manish.

The coastal regions of Pakistan are also on high alert. In Pakistan's Sindh province, the evacuation of 67,000 individuals has been carried out effectively.