New Delhi: The entire Gujarat coastline was on Tuesday put on “high alert” after cyclonic storm Vayu intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. Swinging into action, the authorities have ordered the closure of all educational institutes for three days and have cancelled leaves of all government officials.
NDRF teams and Army have been deployed and locals along the coastline have been evacuated. Fishermen have been asked to stay away from the sea at this time.
IMD Forecast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Tuesday said the speed of Vayu had increased to 17 km per hour and was located in the Arabian Sea, about 450 km west-northwest of Goa, 290 km south-southwest of Mumbai & 380 km nearly south of Veraval (Gujarat).
“It is very likely to move nearly northwards & cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar & Mahuva around Veraval & Diu region as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speed 140-150 kmph to 165 kmph around the morning of 13 June,” the IMD said.
The cyclone will make a landfall near Veraval in Gir Somnath district on June 13 but it will be preceded by heavy rainfall in isolated places.
Precautions Undertaken
According to the State government, around three lakh people from coastal villages will be shifted from low lying areas in Saurashtra and the Union Territory of Diu.
According to the IMD, heavy rains with winds blowing at the speed of over 110 km on are likely on June 13 and 14 in coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. A heavy rainfall warning has been issued for these areas.
The government has advised fishermen against venturing into the sea in the next few days while ports have been directed to flag a danger signal.
The government has decided to deploy 30 teams of the NDRF in the coastal districts.
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Ms Kalinga