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Cyclone threat shuts down 41 ports along Gujarat coast

A cyclone brewing in the Arabian Sea closed 41 ports along Gujarat's coast for a fourth straight day on Monday.

The India Meteorological Department said the storm was some 300 km southwest of Porbandar and could slam into Gujarat on Tuesday morning.

The ports along the state's long coastline handle some 150 million tonnes of cargo a year.

The suspension was likely to result in congestion when the ports reopened as many vessels had been forced to anchor at sea, officials said.

The cyclone has also led to an exodus of migrant labourers and this could add to the congestion when the ports reopen, officials added.

Port authorities have put up a number five warning signal at major ports like Kandla, Mundra and Bedi, indicating the threat of severe weather.

"Till the IMD gives us a green signal, port operations will remain suspended," Kandla Port Trust chairman A.K Joti said.

Kandla, one of India's busiest ports, suspended operations on Friday and evacuated over 8,000 people from nearby areas.

Joti said the suspension could result in congestion at the port for about two weeks once activities resume. Some 15 vessels anchored at sea were bound for Kandla, he said.

Two gas tankers, destined for Sikka near Jamanagar, were also anchored at sea, an official at Bedi Port said.

"The exodus of labour after the cyclone could pose serious problems," Joti said.

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