13-06-2023 : As cyclone Biparjoy approaches the coast near Jakhau port in Gujarat’s Kutch district, authorities have taken swift action to shift approximately 30,000 people from coastal areas to temporary shelters. This proactive measure aims to ensure the safety of residents in the path of the powerful cyclone. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are on standby, ready to assist in relief operations. The Army has also made preparations, positioning flood relief columns at strategic locations.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah asked the Gujarat administration to make plans for the migration of people living in hazardous areas to safer locations during a virtual conference to examine the cyclone’s readiness. He emphasised the significance of continuing to provide necessities like drinking water, power, and telecommunications. Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union ministers, Gujarat ministers, MPs, MLAs, and representatives from the eight cyclone-prone regions were present at the meeting.
Alok Kumar Pandey, State Commissioner of Relief, stated that the evacuation process has already begun, with nearly 30,000 people relocated to temporary shelters. The state government aims to evacuate residents within a 10-kilometer range from the coast. While one fatality related to the cyclone has been recorded so far, efforts are ongoing to prevent any loss of life.
According to Manorama Mohanty, director of Ahmedabad IMD, cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near Jakhau port with wind speeds ranging from 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph on the evening of June 15. The Saurashtra-Kutch region, particularly the districts of Kutch, Porbandar, and Devbhumi Dwarka, has been issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Fishing activities have been suspended until June 16, and ports have been closed, with ships secured due to the rough sea and inclement weather. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) conducted a successful overnight operation to evacuate 50 personnel from an oil rig off the Dwarka coast using ALH aircraft and the ship ‘Shoor.’ The Western Railway has taken precautionary measures by canceling, short-terminating, and short-originating several trains to ensure passenger safety.
The Army has collaborated with civil administration and NDRF to plan relief operations, rehearsing flood relief columns and making resources available from neighboring Rajasthan. The cyclone has also impacted shipping activities at the Kandla port, prompting the evacuation of around 3,000 people, including workers.
Evacuation attempts are in progress in coastal villages despite the difficulties officials are having convincing residents to leave their livestock and possessions behind. Meetings have been held and assurances have been given to persuade residents to seek shelter. People are being transported to designated shelters using buses and private automobiles, which are stocked with supplies including food and other necessities.
As the state intensifies relief and rescue operations, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has called on citizens to cooperate with the administration for their safety and security. Union ministers, including Mansukh Mandaviya, are coordinating with the state administration to ensure effective relief and rescue measures.
As the cyclone approaches, the collective efforts of authorities, rescue teams, and the community aim to minimize the impact and ensure the well-being of those affected by cyclone Biparjoy.