'Very severe' Cyclone Vayu will not hit Gujarat. It will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka: Manorama Mohanty, scientist at IMD, Ahmedabad.
Its effect will be seen on the coastal regions as there will be heavy wind speed and heavy rain as well, ANI has reported.
Indian Coast Guard, the Navy, Army & Air Force units have also been put on standby. Aircrafts and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance.
3.1 lakh people living in the low-lying areas and the NDRF has pre-positioned 52 teams for rescue and relief operations.
Cyclone Vayu has turned into a ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm today. It would cause gusty winds to blow at a speed of 145 kmph to 170 kmph by June 13 morning, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said.
The cyclone continues to progress towards Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, the IMD upgraded its severity condition.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started landing in Gujarat with the help of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to undertake preventive evacuation of people living on the west coast, an IAF official said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reviewed the preparations yesterday and directed officials to ensure all possible steps for the safety of people.
IAF’s C-17 aircraft got airborne from Delhi to Arakkonam today. The aircraft will airlift approximately 152 NDRF personnel and eight tons of equipment from Arakkonam to Jamnagar for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission for people likely to be affected by Cyclone Vayu in Gujarat.
Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in Goa and Maharashtra's Konkan region.
When the cyclone skirts Mumbai at around 2.30 pm, it will be about 260 km away from the city. There could be south-easterly winds of about 55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph.
Kandla port in Gujarat has been temporarily closed because of the cyclone, reports suggest.
IMD has tweeted that this ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm is about 290 km west-southwest of Mumbai, Maharashtra.
The Gujarat government has said that the cyclone is likely to affect Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts.
People living in low-lying areas of these 10 districts are being shifted to safer places.
The Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been put on high alert for the cyclone.
The Army has deployed 10 columns in the coastal areas of Gujarat. It has kept 24 columns on standby and is ready to carry out the rescue and relief operations, a defence spokesperson said in a release. Each column has a strength of about 70 personnel.
AAI:Normal flight operations to resume at Diu andPorbandar airports (Gujarat) from 10 am tomorrow.
Sparing Gujarat, Cyclone Vayu moves towards Oman: PTI
Sparing Gujarat after changing course, Cyclone Vayu began moving away from the state coast towards Oman, even as the danger of heavy winds and rain in coastal areas continued, officials said here.
Though the "eye of the storm" is away from land, the cyclone's outer periphery would leave its impact on the coast, officials said.
State authorities have already evacuated three lakh people from low-lying areas near the coast to safer places.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, "According to IMD bulletin, Cyclone Vayu, which was going to hit Gujarat, has moved towards Oman. But the administration will continue to be on high alert for the next 24 hours."
Schools in coastal districts of Saurashtra and Kutch will remain closed Friday as a precaution, the chief minister said. (PTI)
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviews Navy's preparation to deal with cyclone Vayu
DefenceMinisterRajnathSingh on reviewed the Navy's preparedness along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coast in view of cycloneVayu, officials said.
Senior Navy officials briefed Singh at a meeting in naval headquarters here during which he was apprised about various measures being taken by the force to deal with possible scenarios, they said
He was briefed about the ability and readiness of various assets of Western Naval Command (HQWNC) which were kept ready for deployment to the affected areas in case of requirement.
"The Western Naval Command, Mumbai is closely monitoring the developing situation. Indian Navy ships Chennai,Gomatiand Deepak at Mumbai have embarked with humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, and are ready to be deployed at short notice," the Navy said.
In addition, 5,000litresof drinking water is also being kept on board naval ships. (PTI)
Alert continues as Cyclone Vayu begins skirting Saurashtra coast
Bringing relief for Gujarat, Cyclone Vayu Thursday began moving away from the state coast, even as the danger of heavy winds and rainfall continued, officials said. State authorities have already evacuated three lakh people from low-lying areas near the coast to safer places, an official said.
Heavy rains which lashed the coastal areas were likely to continue, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
"The cyclone is likely to move north-northwestwards for some time and then northwestwards, skirting the Saurashtra coast (and) affecting Gir Somnath, Diu, Junagarh, Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka with wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph during the next 12 hours," the IMD said in a release issued at 5 pm. (PTI)
According to The Weather Channel, the very severe cyclonic storm Vayu is moving northwestwards. It hasstarted skirting the Saurashtra coast. Coastal areas of Gujarat have been witnessing persistent heavy rainfall and the IMD forecasts suggest that heavy rains will continue in the region at least till the evening.
IMD:
Cyclone VAYU located near 20.5N/69.3E at 1330 IST is 120 km Southwest of Veraval & 120 km south of Porbandar. It is moving northwestwards & has started skirting the Saurashtra Coast. Heavy Rainfall likely to continue over the coastal areas during next 3 hours.
The Indian Navy reviewed all preparatory actions in coordination with State/ Civil administration of Gujarat for Cyclone 'Vayu'.
- The Western Naval Command, Mumbai is closely monitoring the developing situation.
- IN Ships Chennai, Gomati and Deepak at Mumbai have been embarked with HADR/ Relief Material, and are ready to be deployed at short notice.
- In addition, 5000 litres of drinking water is also being embarked on board IN ships. Seven IN aircraft and three helicopters are standby for deployment.
- Two Diving & Rescue teams, and three Medical teams are ready to render necessary assistance.
- Preparations have been undertaken to setup community kitchen at Dwarka and Porbandar. Aircraft and helicopters will be deployed for the damage assessment and Search and Rescue operations as required.
Update:
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparations of the Indian Coast Guard and Navy for tackling Cyclone Vayu,and is monitoring the situation, reports news agency ANI.
Update:
According to The Weather Channel, latest forecasts suggest a total rainfall of around 500 mm between Dwarka and Porbandar in Kathiawar peninsula in Gujarat for the next four days.Saurashtra and Kutch are expected to receive widespread rainfall today and tomorrow.
No damage confirmed at airports so far: Airports Authority of India
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has said that as per the current status, “effect of Cyclone Vayu is milder at most of the airports of Gujarat. No damage is confirmed so far”. Porbandar, Diu and Bhavnagar airports have been instructed to closely monitor the situation.
At 10.30 am today morning, Cyclone Vayu was 110 km southwest of Veraval and 130 km south of Porbandar in Gujarat, according to IMD.
QUICK READ: Railways cancels 77 trains, short terminates 33 others
As of 9.30 am today morning, Cyclone Vayu was 110 km southwest of Veraval and 150 km south of Porbandar in Gujarat, IMD has said.
Cyclone Vayu is expected to remain over the Arabian Sea for a longer time, according to
The Weather Channel. It is likely to maintain its strength for another 36 hours.QUICK READ | Cyclone Vayu changes course, unlikely to make landfall in Gujarat: IMD
Cyclone Vayu impact: Heat wave expected in Pakistan's Karachi
A heat wave is expected to hit Karachi today in the wake of Cyclone Vayu, India’s Gujarat coast, Pakistan’s ARY News has reported.
Pakistan Meteorological Department has forecast that the temperature could rise to 40-42 degree Celsius in the port city today.
Authorities of Sindh province have been asked to remain alert in coming days due to the cyclone.
Update |
Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department, Gujarat government: Government alertness for Cyclone Vayu continues with same intensity. Persons shifted to shelter homes to stay there. People should continue to stay in safe areas. Their preparedness to continue at same level. (ANI)
Cyclone Vayu's predicted path put out by IMD(Image: Twitter/@Indiametdept)
As of 5.30 am this morning, Cyclone Vayu was about 150 km south-southwest of Diu, 110 km southwest of Veraval (Gujarat) and 150 km south of Porbandar, Gujarat. It will skirt Saurashtra coast with wind speed 135-145 kmph from today afternoon, IMD has said.
According to The Weather Channel, Cyclone Vayu’s possible impact could be:
> 70 mm rain in southwest Gujarat over the next 48 hours
> Gale winds of 100 kmph expected along southwest coast of Gujarat
> Up to 9 metre-high waves off Veraval today
> Flash flooding, storm surge, downed trees, power outages and damage to buildings may be expected
Cyclone Vayu may weaken from Category 2 storm into Category 1
According to Skymet Weather, Cyclone Vayu which is currently a Category 2 cyclonic storm may weaken into a Category 1 cyclonic storm. However, wind speed of 135 kmph to 145 kmph gusting up to 175 kmph may cause damage over the Gujarat coast.
Cyclone Vayu won't hit Gujarat: IMD
Manorama Mohanty, scientist at IMD, Ahmedabad: Cyclone Vayu will not hit Gujarat. It will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka. Its effect will be seen on the coastal regions as there will be heavy wind speed and heavy rain as well. (ANI)
Gujarat Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama to ANI on Somnath Temple remaining open despite Cyclone Vayu alert: Ye kudrati aafat hai, kudrat hi rok sakti hai, to kudrat ko hum kya rokein (this is a natural disaster, only nature can stop it, who are we to stop nature).
Cyclone Vayu: NDRF pre-positions 52 teams
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is in continuous touch with the state governments/Union Territories and Central agencies. NDRF has pre-positioned 52 teams equipped with boats, tree-cutters, telecom equipment, etc., Home Minister Amit Shah said in a tweet last night.
Indian Coast Guard, Navy, Army and Air Force units are on standby. Aircrafts and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance, Home Minister Amit Shah has said.
Cyclone Vayu: 3 lakh people evacuated from Gujarat, 10,000 from Diu
Gujarat has evacuated about 3 lakh people and Diu has evacuated over 10,000 people from low lying areas to safer places,” Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
It is likely to move north-northwest for some time and then north-westwards skirting the Saurashtra coast. The wind speed is expected to be around 135-145 kmph from this afternoon.
‘Very severe’ cyclonic storm Vayu is over the Arabian Sea and is moving northwards. It was about 130 km southwest of Veraval and 180 km south of Porbandar, the IMD said at around 7.45 am today.
Good morning! Welcome to the LIVE coverage of developments related to Cyclone Vayu. Stay tuned to this LIVE blog for the latest updates.
Some Do's and Don'ts to follow before and during the cyclone:
-Ignore rumors, keep mobile phones charged to ensure connectivity.
-Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for safety and survival.
-Switch off electrical mains, gas supply.
-Rely on official warnings.
-Drink boiled water.
-Do not enter damaged buildings if outdoors.
-Watch out for broken electric poles and wires, and other sharp objects.
(Via the National Disaster Management Authority)
Update:
Three special evacuation trains are scheduled to run in Rajkot Division,Bhavnagardivision &Veravaltoday to evacuate passengers of coastal areas affected by CycloneVayu, says Western Railway according to news agencyANI.
Update:
In view of the approaching cyclone Vayu, as per the technical circular issued on the subject, senior management at the AAI... has decided to suspend flight operations at AAI airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from 12 midnight today to 12 midnight tomorrow: AAI statement.
Gujarat has evacuated about 3 lakh people and Diu has evacuated over 10,000 people from low lying areas to safer places. Indian Coast Guard, the Navy, Army & Air Force units have also been put on standby. Aircrafts and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance: AmitShah.
Gujarat: 1.6 lakh people evacuated as Cyclone Vayu inches closer
As cyclone 'Vayu' inches closer to the Gujarat coast and expected to make a landfall on June 13, authorities have so far shifted over 1.60 lakh people from low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch regions.
Operations at ports and airports in these regions have been suspended as precautionary measure, officials said.
IMD Mumbai:
Thunderstorm accompanied by lightning, gusty wind with speed reaching 30-40 kmph with intense spell of rain likely to occur at isolated places in districts of Palghar & Thane during next 4 hours, ANI reports.
Update:
A total of 1,64,090 people have been evacuated from 10 affected areas till 4 PM today, says the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), news agency ANI has reported.
Odisha offers to help Gujarat
As cyclone 'Vayu' advances towards the Gujarat coast, Odisha government offered all help to the western state, which has launched a massive evacuation exercise to shift people from low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch regions.
Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh called up his Odisha counterpart A P Padhi and sought Odisha's advice on how to tackle the cyclonic storm on a war-footing, officials said.
"Gujarat chief secretary had called me up and discussed the measures to be taken ahead of the landfall. We have offered all kind of help to Gujarat. However, the Gujarat chief secretary has said that they will seek further help if required keeping in view the situation," Padhi told reporters.
The Gujarat government is in constant touch with Odisha in view of the eastern state's successful handing of similar calamities like cyclone 'Fani' in May this year and cyclone 'Titli' last year, officials said. (PTI)
Update:
In view of the cyclonic formation Vayu in the Arabian Sea coupled with high tide on June 12 and 13, all beaches in the Konkan region — Palgahar, Thane, Mumbai (city/suburban), Raigad, Ratnagiri andSindhudurg may be shut off to the public immediately for next two days, Maharashtra Government has announced according to news agency ANI.
Congress President Rahul Gandhi appeals party workers to help out in areas that get affected
Congress president Rahul Gandhi appealed to all party workers to be prepared to help out in areas that get affected by cyclone "Vayu", which is nearing the Gujarat coast. Cyclonic storm "Vayu" has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, the IMD had said on Tuesday.
"Cyclone Vayu is nearing the Gujarat coast. I appeal to all Congress workers to be prepared to help out in all the areas that come in the cyclone's way. I pray for the security and well-being of all the people in the areas that will be affected by the cyclone," Gandhi tweeted in Hindi. (PTI)
Some Do's and Don'ts to follow before and during the cyclone:
-Ignore rumors, keep mobile phones chargedto ensure connectivity.
-Prepare an emergency kit with essential items for safety and survival.
-Switch off electrical mains, gas supply.
-Rely on official warnings.
-Drink boiled water.
-Do not enter damaged buildings if outdoors.
-Watch out for broken electric poles and wires, and other sharp objects.
(Via the National Disaster Management Authority)
Just In |
Flight operations from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Mundra and Bhavnagar are cancelled for tomorrow, reports news agency ANI.
Gujarat braces for Cyclone Vayu
The Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Border Security Force (BSF) have been put on high alert for Cyclone Vayu.
The Army has deployed 10 columns in the coastal areas of Gujarat. It has kept 24 columns on standby and is ready to carry out the rescue and relief operations, a defence spokesperson said in a release. Each column has a strength of about 70 personnel.
10 districts of Gujarat likely to be affected
The Gujarat government has said that the cyclone is likely to affect Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts.
People living in low-lying areas of these 10 districts are being shifted to safer places.
