Gandhinagar: Cyclone Biparjoy has rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is traversing the Arabian Sea at present. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday issued an Orange alert for Cyclone Biparjoy.
"Cyclone Alert for Saurashtra & Kutch Coast: Orange Message. ESCS BIPARJPY at 0530IST of today over east-central & adjoining NE Arabian Sea near lat 19.2N & long 67.7E, about 380km SSW of Devbhumi Dwarka. To cross near Jakhau Port, Gujarat by noon of 15 June", tweeted IMD.
Amidst the cyclone warnings issued, officials at Deendayal Port Authority in Kandla started shifting people in the low-lying areas to shelters in Gandhidham, as updated by the Public Relations Officer of Deendayal Port Authority. Six ships have already left the port, and 11 more will depart tomorrow.
KD Lakhani, the DM of Porbander, issued a statement on the preparations for the cyclone. He said that the district administration is working alongside the Government and joining hands with various NGOs to prepare for the effects of the storm. Low-lying and coastal areas have been prioritised, and heavy rains have been anticipated. Cyclone shelters, holding a capacity of 500 people each, have been prepared for the safe evacuation of people in low-lying areas. Fishing permits were halted, and all fishing boats were anchored safely in anticipation of the cyclone.
The Adani Mundra Port issued a Local Warning Signal Number 4, indicating a possible danger to the port and its ships on account of Cyclone Biparjoy. Small ships continue to be in use and the big ships have been instructed to remain at sea.
High-speed winds and high tidal waves were seen in Gujarat's Navsari and Valsad. Meanwhile, the cyclone continued to bring high tidal waves to the coast of Maharashtra. (with ANI inputs)
