Cyclone Biparjoy: Gujarat shifts 45 k people from coastal districts to temporary shelters :Landfall in Gujarat, Heavy rain: tremor in Kutch

Agencies, 14 June 2023, Kutch : A tremor of 3.5 magnitude was recorded in Gujarat's Kutch district on Wednesday evening at a time when cyclone 'Biparjoy' is approaching the coast in the region. No damage to property or life was reported.

The tremor was recorded at 5.05pm at a distance of 5km West South West (WSW) of Bhachau in Kutch district, the Institute of Seismological Research at Gandhinagar said in its update.

The powerful cyclone is very likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts and make landfall near Jakhau Port in Kutch by June 15 evening, according to Met department.

Kutch district is located in a "very high risk" seismic zone, and earthquakes of lower intensity occur regularly there.

More than 45,000 people have been moved to shelter homes in Gujarat's coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch as a catastrophic impact of cyclone Biparjoy which is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast in Gujarat's Kutch district on the evening of June 15 and will traverse all along the Rann upto Rajasthan thereafter.

As many as 13 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in the state.

Indian Navy readies ships, relief teams, and helicopters for rapid humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations in Gujarat

The Indian Navy has positioned four ships equipped with HADR bricks, ready to be deployed at a moment's notice. In addition, there are five relief teams stationed at both Porbandar and Okha, along with 15 relief teams at Valsura, prepared to provide aid and support to the civil authorities. Furthermore, helicopters stationed at INS Hansa in Goa and INS Shikra in Mumbai are standing by for immediate transportation to Gujarat. This information has been shared by the Indian Navy.

More than 45000 people have been moved to shelter homes in Gujarat's coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch as a catastrophic impact of cyclone Biparjoy, which is likely to make landfall near the Jakhau coast in Gujarat's Kutch district on the evening of June 15 and will traverse all along the Rann upto Rajasthan thereafter. As many as 13 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed in the state. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a cyclone 'Biparjoy' warning for Saurashtra and Kachchh coasts in Gujarat. It is very likely to move nearly northeastwards and cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by the evening of June 15, informed the IMD. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday issued a cyclone 'Biparjoy' warning for Saurashtra and Kachchh coasts in Gujarat. It is very likely to move nearly northeastwards and cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by the evening of June 15, informed the IMD. 

Cyclone Biparjoy is the only third cyclone in nearly 60 years to hit the western coast.

India and Pakistan continue to prepare for Cyclone Biparjoy, which is likely to make landfall near Kutch in India and move towards Pakistan next. Cyclone Biparjoy weakened into a very severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday and as it continues to move north-northwestwards, the cyclone is 380 kilometres south of Karachi. Fishing activities have been halted, rescue personnel have been deployed and evacuation plans for those at risk have been put in place. 

Cyclone Biparjoy is the only third cyclone in nearly 60 years to hit the western coast. Experts say that the increase in frequency and intensity is indicating the negative impact of climate change.

As Biparjoy prepares to make landfall between Gujarat's Mandvi and Pakistan's port city of Karachi on June 15, the Met department said total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to kutcha houses in several districts. The very severe cyclonic storm can uproot power and communication poles in these areas and disrupt railways and damage standing crops, plantations and orchards.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said Cyclone Biparjoy has completely detached itself from the monsoonal flow and will have no impact on the progress of the seasonal rainfall system, PTI reported.

"Had Cyclone Biparjoy moved north-westwards towards Oman, it would have affected the monsoonal flow," he said.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush, Sarbananda Sonowal said, "We must be prepared for all kinds of eventualities as this could be one of the severest storms to have hit the country once it makes landfall. We are taking steps to minimise the loss of lives and property and are committed to ensuring people's safety. Those residing in coastal areas are evacuated to safer shores and measures are being undertaken to raise make-shift shelters for people in harm's way", ANI reported.

'Brave' villagers undertake measures to mitigate Cyclone Biparjoy disaster

Visuals surfaced from Rasulnagar village in Jamnagar where the residents put up ropes across their village to ensure mobility while braving strong winds and heavy rainfall that is expected to follow the cyclone’s arrival. Here's our full report

Daman DC General/Sub DM has issued an order under section 144 of CrPC prohibiting the movement of people on beaches, promenades and other places near coast, ANI reported.