NEW DELHI, India, June 15 (NNN-PTI) – The very severe cyclonic storm, Vayu, which was likely to make a landfall in India’s western state of Gujarat on Thursday, but changed its trajectory, could again re-curve in the next two days, meteorological department officials said today (Saturday).
“The very severe cyclonic storm Vayu over north-east and adjoining east central Arabian Sea, moved west-southwestwards over the north-east and adjoining east central Arabian Sea, about 180 km west-southwest of Porbandar (Gujarat), 230 km west of Veraval (Gujarat) and 290 km west-northwest of Diu. The system is very likely to move nearly westwards during the next 48 hours and re-curve northeastwards thereafter,” a meteorological department official in Ahmedabad said.
“The system is moving nearly westwards. However, Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka districts are likely to experience squally winds, speed reaching 50-60 kph, gusting to 70 kph, and Gir Somnath and Junagarh districts with strong winds reaching 30-40 kph, gusting to 50 kph during the next 12 hours.”
According to the official, during the two days, Gujarat is very likely to experience an active wet spell, and sea conditions are very likely to be very rough to high, along and off Gujarat coast until Monday. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the north Arabian Sea and along and off Gujarat coast, during this period.
Authorities in the anticipation of the cyclone had made adequate arrangements and evacuated 300,000 people from coastal Gujarat and the union territory of Diu. Apart from the National Disaster Response Force, the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Border Security Force were put on high alert, and schools and colleges were closed.– NNN-PTI
