Cyclone Biparjoy to make landfall today; check 10 key points and latest updates

The very severe cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ is expected to make landfall near the Jakhau coast, Gujarat this evening between 4 pm and 8 pm. With maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour, the IMD has issued warnings for the coasts of Saurashtra and Kachchh.

There are possibilities of heavy damage under the impact of the cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea. In the wake of Biparjoy, BSF jawans have made adequate preparations to combat any challenges arising out of the impending storm.

Here are the latest updates:

1.    Currently, the cyclonic storm is about 220km off the coast of Gujarat. The IMD said that it will cross Saurashtra and Ktuch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port between 4-8 pm.
2.    Gujarat’s Mandvi already starts witnessing rough sea conditions and strong winds.
3.    The maximum wind speed of Biparjoy is likely to be around 140-150 kmph.
4.    Several districts of Gujarat are likely to receive heavy to extremely heavy rain. Orange and yellow alert have been issued in several districts of Gujarat.
5.    18 NDRF, 12 SDRF, 115 teams of state road and building department and 397 electricity department have been deployed.
6.    To ensure safety of passengers and train operations, 76 trains have been cancelled in view of the cyclonic storm. 
7.    Dwarkadhish Temple and Somnath Temple -- two famous temples of Gujarat – have been closed on Thursday for devotees.
8.    Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel speaks to village heads of around 164 coastal villages and promised all support.
9.    Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya also reviewed the preparedness measures.
10.    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also reviewed the preparedness of the armed forces who are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency due to the cyclone.