Cyclone Vayu likely to hit coast early tomorrow

Gujarat | Severe cyclonic storm ‘Vayu’ is expected to make landfall on the coast of Gujarat on June 13, that is, tomorrow.

The government is on high alert mode, aiming for zero casualties.

“The cyclonic storm is very likely to make landfall early on June 13, but the effects will be witnessed in the coastal areas from June 12 midnight,” said IMD Regional Additional Director Manorama Mohanty. The IMD has issued a warning of a “storm surge” of a height of about 0.5 m above the astronomical tides.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Vayu is expected to touch the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva (Bhavnagar district) around Veraval (Gir Somnath) and Diu region as a severe cyclonic storm with wind speed of 110-120 kmph gusting to 135 kmph on the morning of June 13. It is likely to cause heavy rainfall in the 11 coastal districts, along with storm surge, which may cause inundation in the low-lying areas of Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, besides Diu.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Amit Shah had reviewed the preparations for cyclone Vayu which is expected to make a landfall in Gujarat, and directed officials to ensure all possible steps for the safety of people, officials said.

The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has pre-positioned 26 teams, comprising about 45 personnel each, and the rescuers are equipped with boats, tree-cutters, telecom equipments. The NDRF is also moving another 10 teams as requested by the Gujarat government.

After review, the Home minister directed the senior officials to take every possible measure to ensure that people are safely evacuated. He also told them to ensure maintenance of all essential services such as power, telecommunications, health, drinking water and their immediate restoration in the event of damages caused to them, a Home Ministry official said.