The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has said that the severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy will intensify in the next 36 hours and will be heading north-northwestwards in the next two days.
"VSCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, lay centred at 1730hrs IST of today, about 850 km west of Goa, 880 km southwest of Mumbai, 890 km south-southwest of Porbandar and 1170 km south of Karachi. To intensify further during next 3 days," a tweet by the IMD.
Following this, the weather department advised fishermen not to venture into such cyclone-hit areas in the Arabian Sea. Those who were out at sea were advised to return to the coast.
Instructions have also been issued to ports to hoist Distant Warning signal (DW II), officials said on Thursday. The first cyclone in the Arabian Sea this year is expected to bring light showers and thunderstorms in coastal regions of Gujarat.
The cyclone may also result in winds, the speed of which may go up to 45 to 55 knots for the next three days. "The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark. The cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, including south Gujarat and Saurashtra. All ports have been asked to hoist Distant Warning signal," said director of IMD's Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad, Manorama Mohanty.
The DW signals are hoisted by ports whenever adverse weather is expected over them in oceanic areas. The step seeks to alert vessels and ensure the safety of maritime activities.
District collectors of the coastal region have also geared up to face any eventuality in the coming days. Jamnagar collector BA Shah said nearly 76,000 people reside in 22 villages situated on the coastline of the district and elaborate plans are in place to shift them to safer places if need arises.
"All district, as well as taluka officials, have been asked to remain stationed at their headquarters until further orders. Fishermen registered in the district have already returned to the coast. If the need arises, we will shift 76,000 people living near the coast to safer places," said Shah.
Besides Jamnagar, Amreli too is prepared for the aftermath of the cyclone. "A district-level disaster control room has been activated. Officials of two coastal talukas - Rajula and Jafrabad - have been instructed to stay alert. Fishermen have been asked to return to shore as wind speed may reach up to 160 km per hour in the sea on June 11 and 12," Amreli collector Ajay Dahiya told reporters.
The Gujarat state administration too has taken all steps, including putting on standby 15 teams of the National Disaster Response Force and 11 of the State Disaster Response Force.
However, despite the cyclone's direction taking it close (1170 km) to Karachi, Pakistan's weather forecasting agency said none of the country's coastal areas is under any threat.
