Cyclone Biparjoy has intensified into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm" and is expected to make landfall on Thursday afternoon between the Kutch region of Gujarat, India, and Karachi, Pakistan. In response to the approaching cyclone, evacuation efforts are underway in the coastal areas of Gujarat, with approximately 250 people already relocated to temporary shelters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level review meeting to discuss the preparations and measures taken to manage the impact of the cyclone.
To ensure the safety of the affected regions, various preventive measures have been implemented. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed a team at the Okha port, while access to certain coastal areas, including Gomti Ghat, Bet Dwarka, and Shivrajpur beach, has been restricted for tourists and local residents. Union Home Minister Amit Shah held a review meeting in Delhi to assess the preparedness for cyclone Biparjoy.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat, as the severe cyclone is projected to cross the Jakhau Port on June 15th. The IMD is regularly providing updates on the cyclone's progress as it moves through the Arabian Sea. On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the Gujarat Chief Minister, Bhupendra Patel, of all necessary assistance to protect the state from the cyclone during a telephonic conversation.
Railway authorities in Gujarat have taken precautions to ensure smooth functioning and disaster management during Cyclone Biparjoy. Disaster management rooms and emergency control centers have been established in several districts, and the Railway Board has deployed sufficient manpower and equipment to handle any emergency situation.
According to M Mahapatra, the Director General of the Indian Meteorological Centre, Cyclone Biparjoy has weakened from its severe intensity but remains a significant cyclone. It is expected to cross Kutch with wind speeds of 125 to 135 km/h. Regular updates from the IMD will continue to provide information about the cyclone's progression.