Cyclone Biparjoy update: People in Gujarat have been asked to evacuate the coastal region. Indian Meteorological Department released an orange alert in Gujarat on Tuesday for people living within 10 km of the coastal region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided held a high-level meeting on Monday, June 12. The meeting aimed to review the readiness of various ministries and agencies at both the central and Gujarat state levels.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for prompt action to evacuate individuals residing in vulnerable areas, urging the State Government to take all necessary measures. He further directed senior officers to ensure the continuity of essential services, including power, telecommunications, healthcare, and drinking water, while also prioritizing the swift restoration of these services in case of any damage. The safety of animals was also highlighted as an important consideration. Additionally, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of maintaining 24/7 functioning control rooms.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) provided crucial information during the meeting. According to IMD, Cyclone 'Biparjoy' is projected to make landfall between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) on the 15th of June, around noon. The cyclone is expected to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph. Heavy rainfall is predicted in Gujarat's coastal districts, with exceptionally heavy downpours anticipated in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar.
Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh districts may also experience heavy to very heavy rainfall on the 14th and 15th of June. IMD has been issuing regular bulletins to all concerned states and agencies since the emergence of the cyclonic system on the 6th of June, keeping them updated on the latest forecasts.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is closely monitoring the situation around the clock and maintaining constant communication with the State Government and relevant central agencies. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has already positioned 12 teams, equipped with boats, tree-cutting equipment, and telecom resources, while 15 additional teams are on standby.
In preparation for relief, search, and rescue operations, the Indian Coast Guard and Navy have deployed ships and helicopters. The Air Force and Army's Engineer task force units are also ready for deployment, equipped with boats and rescue equipment. Surveillance aircraft and helicopters are conducting continuous monitoring along the coast. The Army, Navy, and Coast Guard have standby Disaster Relief teams (DRTs) and Medical Teams (MTs).
The Prime Minister was briefed on the measures undertaken by the Government of Gujarat to tackle the cyclone. Review meetings have been held with the district administration at the Chief Minister's level, and the entire state machinery is fully prepared to handle any emergency situation.
The Chief Secretary of Gujarat and concerned central ministries/agencies are in constant contact with the Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary.
