High tidal waves hit Gujarat as cyclone Biparjoy intensifies; landfall likely 4-8 pm

Cyclone Biporjoy update: High tidal waves hit Gujarat as cyclone Biparjoy intensified on Thursday. The very severe cyclonic storm will make landfall at 4-8 pm.

According to IMD, the VSCS (very severe cyclonic storm) Biparjoy will cross Saurashtra, Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by Thursday evening.

IMD sounded a Red alert as cyclone 'Biparjoy' warning for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat.

Biparjoy is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast on Thursday evening (June 15) and traverse all along the Rann up to Rajasthan.

Measures to combat situation in Gujarat

Border Security Force (BSF), in the wake of cyclone Biparjoy approaching Gujarat's coastal areas, has made adequate preparations to combat any challenges arising out of the impending storm.

BSF Gujarat IG Ravi Gandhi visited the coastal areas of Bhuj and took stock of the preparedness to deal with any situation. "BSF forces are deployed at the international border. As per the IMD assessment, the concerned area is from Mandvi to Karachi. Our forces are alert with full preparation. We are helping people who are approaching us with any concerns. We are also in contact with other security forces like NDRF," he said.

According to the BSF, around 50 villagers from Gunao, near the Jakhau coast, have been relocated to the BSF's Gunao outpost.

"Along with protecting the international border, the availability of necessary resources for rescue operations has also been ensured by the Border Security Force. Coordination has been established with the civil authorities and an action plan is being ensured for all necessary assistance to the civil administration and the local people. Around 50 villagers from Gunao village, located close to the Jakhau coast, have been shifted to the Gunao outpost of BSF," it added.

Alerts issued in Rajasthan 

Director of the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Radhe Shyam Sharma has informed that red, orange and yellow alerts have been issued in several districts of Rajasthan amid heavy rainfall.

"Currently it (Biparjoy) is currently under the category of severe cyclonic storm. Its movement on Wednesday remained in the north-east direction. It is expected to hit Saurashtra, Kutch and Gujarat on June 15. It will enter Rajasthan's Kutch on June 16 in depressed form and will further weaken," the IMD Director said.

"Heavy rainfall is expected in some districts. We have issued red alerts in Barmer and Jaldor districts regarding rainfall. Orange and yellow alert has also been issued in several other districts."

Gujarat's Dwarkadhish Temple to remain closed for Devotees

On Thursday, the Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka is closed to devotees.

The Dwarka Bazaar, like the Dwarkadhish Temple, will be closed. The temple routine, on the other hand, will continue as before. During the day, there will be morning pooja, bhog, and aarti, and live darshan will be available on the Dwarkadhish Temple official website and will continue throughout the day, according to Malay Pandya, priest of the Dwarkadhish Temple.

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