Cyclone Biparjoy is approaching Saurashtra and the Kutch coast of Gujarat and is expected to strike on June 15th. The Indian Meteorological Department(IMD) has issued a red alert, indicating the likelihood of heavy rainfall in the Gujarat region.
As a precautionary measure, fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea. In response to the cyclone, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting to assess the situation. He directed officials to evacuate vulnerable areas promptly and ensure the continuity of essential services.
To support evacuation efforts and provide shelter for affected individuals, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed. The Indian Coast Guard is actively patrolling to safeguard coastal areas. Adequate safety measures have been implemented, and preparations are underway in cities like Ahmedabad and Mumbai, which may also be affected by the cyclone.
It will also be the third cyclone to hit the western state in June since 1965, the meteorological office said. "Based on data from 1965 to 2022 for the month of June, 13 cyclones developed over the Arabian Sea. Of these, two crossed the Gujarat coast, one Maharashtra, one Pakistan coast, three Oman-Yemen coasts and six weakened over the sea," the IMD said.