Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday asked officials to "take every possible measure to ensure evacuation of people living in vulnerable locations". He issued the directions at a meeting to review the preparedness for Cyclone Biparjoy. "Ensure maintenance of essential services with preparedness for immediate restoration in event of damage," he told officials.
The Prime Minister's Office issued a statement saying that the Union Home Ministry is reviewing every development concerning Cyclone Biparjoy 24x7. "Twelve NDRF teams have been deployed so far and 15 are on standby," the PMO statement read.
After the meeting PM Modi tweeted: "Chaired a meeting to review the preparedness in the wake of the approaching Cyclone Biparjoy. Our teams are ensuring safe evacuations from vulnerable areas and ensuring maintenance of essential services. Praying for everyone's safety and well-being."
PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting in Delhi, where he and Union Home Minister Amit Shah evaluated the preparedness in dealing with the cyclone's effects before and after landfall. The meeting was also attended by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister P K Mishra, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Earth Sciences Secretary M Ravichandran, Kamal Kishore, Member National Disaster Management Authority, India, and IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
NDRF DEPLOYS ADDITIONAL TEAMS ALONG WESTERN COAST AS IMD ISSUES RED, ORANGE ALERTS
In the wake of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) forecast of Cyclone Biparjoy turning into an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' in the next 12 hours, the NDRF has deployed additional teams along the western coast. Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to make landfall in Gujarat on June 15. The NDRF has deployed two teams in addition to the three teams already available in Mumbai as a precautionary measure. It has also moved four other teams to Gujarat. "Our teams in Pune are also ready," the NDRF said in a statement.
IMD scientist Anand Kumar Das said: "Cyclone Biparjoy will become an 'extremely severe cyclonic storm' in the next 12 hours. It will move northwards till June 14 and then towards Saurashtra-Kutch coast, which it will cross by noon on June 15."
RED ALERT FOR COASTAL DISTRICTS
Mrityunjay Mohapatra said: "Cyclone Biparjoy is slowly moving northwards at a speed of 5 kmph and will change direction after June 14. A very severe cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 125-135 kmph is likely to hit Saurashtra, Kutch, and Pakistan coast by the afternoon of June 15. There will be heavy rains in Saurashtra, Kutch on June 14-15."
The IMD issued an orange alert on June 14 for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts due to Cyclone Biparjoy raging over the east-central and adjoining northeast Arabian Sea.
"We have issued an orange alert for June 14 and a Red alert for June 15 for all the [coastal] districts. On June 15 we will see a landfall in it and will move towards the north-northeast (NNE) direction. We appeal to people to stay at safe locations," he said.
According to a government spokesperson, the Union Home Secretary presided over a meeting of the National Executive Committee to evaluate the preparedness of central ministries, agencies, and the Gujarat government to respond to the impacts of Cyclone Biparjoy. The spokesperson mentioned that an adequate number of teams and resources from the NDRF, Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard have been deployed to support the Gujarat government in their efforts related to preparedness, rescue, and restoration.
THUNDERSTORMS IN GUJARAT FOR FIVE DAYS
Over the next five days, Gujarat is expected to experience thunderstorm activity accompanied by high wind speeds. This highlights the importance of taking necessary precautions and ensuring the safety of the residents in the region. The IMD has issued warnings about rough to very rough sea conditions along the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts until Wednesday, followed by very rough to high conditions on Thursday.
In response to the approaching cyclone, six ships have already departed from the port, while 11 more are scheduled to leave tomorrow. Authorities have urged port officials and ship owners to remain vigilant and alert, underscoring the significance of safeguarding maritime operations and vessels, as reported by ANI. As a precautionary measure, residents of the low-lying areas of Kandla in Gujarat, have been moved to temporary shelters in Gandhidham.
The government of Gujarat has implemented all necessary measures to address Cyclone Biparjoy and is prepared to restore services after the cyclone makes landfall, the spokesperson confirmed.