In preparation for cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ making landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat’s Kutch district, the state administration has evacuated more than 74,000 people living near the coast and deployed disaster management units for rescue and relief operations.
The cyclone, moving towards the Gujarat coast in the Arabian Sea, has already brought heavy rains and strong winds to parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region, according to the Meteorological Department. This is the second cyclone to hit Gujarat in two years, following ‘Tauktae’ in May 2021.
Rough sea conditions and strong winds were observed in Mandvi, Kachchh, as Cyclone Biparjoy affected several parts of Gujarat.
The Indian Meteorological Department issued a cyclone alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, predicting Biparjoy to cross between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by evening on June 15.
VSCS Biparjoy over Northeast Arabian Sea at 2330 hours IST of 14th June, 2023 about 210 km west-southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat). To cross Saurashtra & Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by evening of 15th June as a VSVS. pic.twitter.com/2iU1jt2xia
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 14, 2023
In view of the approaching cyclone, the Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat, has been closed for devotees, along with the Dwarka Bazaar.
However, regular temple activities, including morning pooja, bhog, and aarti, will continue as scheduled. Devotees can access live darshan through the Dwarkadhish Temple official website throughout the day.
The Border Security Force (BSF) has increased its preparedness to tackle the cyclone’s impact on Gujarat’s coastal areas. The Inspector General of BSF Gujarat, Ravi Gandhi, visited Bhuj and assessed the situation to ensure adequate measures are in place.
The BSF is working in coordination with other security forces, such as the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and providing assistance to people approaching them for help.
Overall 74,000 people have been evacuated from Gujarat’s coastal region as cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall in Kutch district today.
Heavy rains have already affected parts of Saurashtra-Kutch. The Dwarkadhish Temple and Dwarka Bazaar are closed, but temple activities continue. The BSF has stepped up preparations and is assisting people in coastal areas.
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