Ahmedabad: Since 8 pm, the tempest named 'Biperjoy' has commenced unleashing its fury on Gujarat
Cyclone has initiated its assault on Jakhau port in Gujarat. Consequently, gales are gusting at velocities ranging from 125 to 135 kilometers per hour along the coast. Although 10-12 districts of Gujarat bear the brunt of this tempest, its impact will extend to numerous states. However, even prior to the tempest's arrival, a period of devastation was set in motion in Gujarat. Vast trees and hundreds of electric poles were uprooted in the coastal regions of Saurashtra. In the most severely affected Dwarka district, reports indicate that 38 villages have witnessed fallen trees.
Countless thatched houses have been decimated, and seawater has encroached upon many areas. The army and NDRF personnel have been deployed to regions at the highest risk of the tempest. Cyclone Biparjoy has made landfall in Kutch as well. Heavy rainfall permeates all parts of Saurashtra. According to the Meteorological Department, the landfall will persist until midnight. Subsequently, the tempest will weaken and veer towards Rajasthan. However, even before this occurs, strong winds have already caused electricity poles and trees to topple in Kutch, Jamnagar, and Dwarka. Power supply disruptions have also affected these areas, and Saurashtra and Kutch might encounter further repercussions. The tempest's impact is also noticeable in Maharashtra and Rajasthan, where high waves surge across the sea.
Copious districts are experiencing torrential downpours. Morbi has encountered substantial rainfall accompanied by vigorous winds due to the influence of Cyclone Biparjoy. The impact of the cyclone reverberates throughout Saurashtra at present. Reports of power poles and trees falling abound in various locations, including Dwarka and Jamnagar. In Gujarat's Dwarka district, at least three individuals have sustained injuries from falling trees. Near Jakhau and Mandvi towns, several trees and electricity poles have been uprooted. Harsh Sanghvi, the Minister of State for Home in Gujarat, revealed that tin sheets used in the construction of houses in the Kutch district were blown away. He further stated that teams comprising members from the Gujarat Police, NDRF, and Army are diligently engaged in the task of removing uprooted trees and electric poles in different parts of Dwarka. The Meteorological Department forecasts that the tempest's force will persist until midnight. A red alert has been issued for Kutch and Saurashtra, where heavy rainfall and strong winds prevail. Trees and poles have already begun collapsing in numerous areas. Over 94,000 individuals have been rescued from coastal regions, with the Coast Guard maintaining a state of readiness with 15 ships and 7 aircraft. Additionally, 27 units of the NDRF have been deployed. All authorities, from the central government to state governments, remain on high alert in response to the threat posed by Cyclone Biparjoy. Gujarat currently hosts 17 NDRF teams and 12 SDRF teams.
Simultaneously, four Navy ships are presently on standby. More than 74,000 individuals residing along the coast have been safely evacuated to designated areas. As per the Meteorological Department, nine states, including Gujarat and Maharashtra, have been affected by the cyclone. These states are Lakshadweep, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Rajasthan (West). The extent of devastation caused by this catastrophic tempest in Gujarat will only be fully realized tomorrow morning.
