Even as Cyclone Vayu is expected to make a landfall in the coast areas of Gujarat on Thursday morning, the state machinery is on high alert to brace for the situation. Schools and colleges in Kutch and Saurashtra regions, which are likely to be affected, will remain closed on Wednesday and Thursday.
Gujarat Chief Secretary J.N. Singh said that the cyclone is expected to make a landfall between Veraval and Mahuva in Saurashtra region on Thursday. The wind speed is expected to touch 110 to 113 kilometre per hour.
Rainfall has also been predicted in several parts of the state.
Singh said that the state is prepared to fight the cyclone and the determination is of “zero tolerance and zero casualties”.
Fishermen have been asked not to venture into the sea. Salt pan workers also have been asked to leave the salt pans.
Kandla Port Trust chairman has been asked to evacuate people from the region latest by Wednesday. All inward vessels in the port have been cancelled from 6 pm on Tuesday.
Cyclone warning signal number 1 has been hoisted in all the ports of Gujarat.
People living in the areas that are likely to be affected will be taken to safer places from Wednesday morning.
Thirty-four teams of the Army and teams of the NDRF and the SDRF are ready to tackle the situation, said Singh.
Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani has appealed pilgrims to the famous Somnath Temple to move out of the region. He said that if need be, they will be taken to state transport bus depots in special buses.