Red Alert: Cyclone Biparjoy Set to Strike Gujarat Tomorrow, Mumbai on High Alert

Cyclone Biparjoy, a severe cyclonic storm, is approaching the Gujarat coast, prompting authorities to take precautionary measures and issue alerts. As a result, the Western Railway has decided to shorten the routes of more than 50 trains heading to coastal areas of Gujarat, and further train cancellations are being considered for the next three days.

The cyclone is predicted to make landfall near the Jakhau port in the Kutch district on Thursday afternoon, with maximum wind speeds expected to reach 150 kilometers per hour.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has categorized Cyclone Biparjoy as having "extensive damaging potential" and has issued a red alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

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The districts of Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar in Gujarat are expected to be the most affected. In preparation, over 37,700 individuals have already been evacuated from the eight coastal districts that are likely to bear the brunt of the cyclone, and the army is on standby to assist.

Recognizing the potential impact on essential services, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has urged the Gujarat government to have contingency plans in place to restore services such as electricity, telecommunications, health, and drinking water in case of damage caused by the cyclone.

Cyclone Biparjoy has already caused transportation disruptions. A Mumbai-bound IndiGo flight had to make an unscheduled landing in Udaipur, Rajasthan, due to the cyclone. The flight, which departed from Lucknow Airport, was forced to divert after two failed attempts to land in Mumbai. This highlights the challenging conditions and safety precautions being taken to mitigate potential risks.

According to the IMD, the effects of Cyclone Biparjoy will be felt in Rajasthan starting from June 15, affecting 12 districts in the state. As a result, the Indian Railways has made partial and complete cancellations of over a dozen trains that were scheduled to travel from Rajasthan to Porbandar, Bhuj, Okha, and Gandhidham in Gujarat.

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The IMD has forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in several districts, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi. These areas are likely to experience significant downpours, adding to the concerns surrounding the cyclone's impact.

In response to the imminent danger, helpline numbers have been made available for those affected by Cyclone Biparjoy. The toll-free number 1077 is dedicated to assisting, and the Gujarat industries department has also launched a helpline at the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) headquarters. Political parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress, and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have also set up helplines to aid people in vulnerable areas.

As the cyclone approaches, authorities are closely monitoring its progression and taking all necessary measures to safeguard the lives and well-being of residents in the affected regions. Preparations for potential damage and post-cyclone restoration are underway, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated response to ensure the safety and support of the impacted communities.

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