Cyclone Biparjoy: 5 Dead Before Landfall, Damage Reported In Jamnagar, NDRF Says 'Zero Loss Of Life' Top Priority

As cyclone Biparjoy approaches the coastal cities of Gujarat, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday said that five people have already lost their lives before the landfall.

Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall in the evening today between 4 PM to 5 PM near the Jakhau port

Source : PTI

New Delhi: As cyclone Biparjoy approaches the coastal cities of Gujarat, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) on Thursday said that five people have already lost their lives before the landfall. It further stated that NDRF has deployed 18 teams in collaboration with the state government, mostly in Kutch.

NDRF said, "Five people have already lost their lives before the cyclone made landfall. Some houses in Jamnagar were damaged."

According to NDRF, teams have been kept ready in the north and south. "There are 2 teams in Rajkot and 1 team in Jamnagar, along with 4 to 5 reserve teams in different locations," it said.

"The biggest challenge during a cyclone is the speed at which houses can be damaged. A surge of 3 to 6 meters can occur, significantly impacting normal life. The focus is on restoring things as quickly as possible to minimize loss of life. The target is zero loss of life," NDRF further stated.

NDRF added, "Large ships have been sent out to sea. Many people have been evacuated. Pregnant women have been admitted to hospitals. Reserve teams are stationed at 15 locations. They can be airlifted if necessary. All government agencies are ready."

Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall in the evening today between 4 PM to 5 PM near the Jakhau port in Gujarat's Kutch district, Amit Arora, Collector Kachchh, Gujarat told news agency ANI. It is likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch regions and adjoining Pakistan Coasts.

He also said, "46,000 people evacuated & shifted to shelter homes. 6 NDRF, 3 RPF teams, 2 SDRF teams & 8 columns of Army on standby. More than 20,000 animals have been taken to safer places.  Adequate amount of food ration available at all shelter homes. 50 teams ready for road clearance."

Defence PRO & Spokesperson MoD, Wing Commander N Manish told ANI that all armed forces including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Indian Coast Guard have prepared themselves to provide assistance to the locals.

He said, "Indian army has deployed more than 27 relief columns across Gujarat as well as at the forward locations of Mandvi, and Dwarka. Army authorities have also jointly started relief operations along with civil administration as well as with the NDRF teams."

Earlier on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces to tackle the storm.

"Spoke to all three Service Chiefs and reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces for the landfall of cyclone 'Biparjoy'. The Armed Forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency due to the cyclone," Singh had tweeted.

The Western Railway on Wednesday decided to cancel or short- terminate the operation of a few more trains as a precaution in view of the powerful cyclone. The Western Railway said seven more trains have been cancelled, three short-terminated and four other services short-originated in view of safety of passengers and train operations as the cyclone approaches the Gujarat coast.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) sounded a Red alert as cyclone 'Biparjoy' warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat.