As Cyclone Biporjoy moves closes to the coast of Gujarat, tidal waves in Mumbai and Gujarat have intensified. According to ANI, high tide waves hit both the states as cyclone Biporjoy intensified into a severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone is expected to cross near Gujarat’s Jakhau Port by the evening of June 15. Violent waves were seen in both states on Wednesday, just a day before the cyclone is expected to make landfall. Visuals from the scene were widely shared on the internet.
#WATCH | High tide waves hit Mumbai as cyclone ‘Biporjoy’ intensifies
(Visuals from Gateway of India) pic.twitter.com/C1vhrHiWZS
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023
The cyclone has “extensive damaging potential” and is likely to impact Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts the most, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD).
The MeT Department has predicted extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds in coastal parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region, especially in the districts of Kutch, Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka. High-speed winds, triggered by Cyclone Biparjoy, lash Mandvi Beach in Kutch, Gujarat.
#WATCH | High tidal waves hit Gujarat as cyclone ‘Biporjoy’ intensifies
(Visuals from Dwarka) pic.twitter.com/J6KfqJZmJd
— ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2023
Authorities have already warned people and fishermen against venturing into the sea because of the rough conditions ahead of the landfall.
Meanwhile, rescue work continues, as the National Disaster Reponse Force evacuated several areas around the coast. On Wednesday morning Junagadh residents were moved to safer locations. According to PTI, the state government is aiming to evacuate people residing within 10 km from the shore. Over 400 shelter homes identified in Gujarat’s Dwarka and people are being shifted out to the shelter homes. 12 NDRF teams have been deployed in Gujarat.
The MeT Department has issued a weather warning for several states and UTs, including in Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Lakshadweep, etc.