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Cyclone weakens, may strike
on Sunday-Monday

The cyclone, which was hovering about 500 km south-west of Veraval in the Arabian Sea, has changed direction and is likely to cross the coastline between Veraval (Junagadh district) and Nalia (Kutch district) in south west Gujarat on Sunday night or Monday morning.

Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) office in Pune said the 'very severe' cyclonic storm had weakened into a 'severe' cyclonic storm.

Gale speeds reaching 60 to 70 kmph, accompanied by heavy to very heavy rains may lash the north Konkan and Gujarat coast by Saturday evening, the IMD said.

As against the earlier projection of the storm likely to hit Gujarat on Saturday night or early Sunday, the meteorological department in its latest analysis said it was now expected to hit the state Sunday night or on the morning of Monday.

Among the places likely to be affected if the cyclone hits the coast are Porbandar, Okha, Dwarka, Jamnagar, Mandvi, Kutch, Junagadh and areas in their vicinity.

The circular speed is between 80-100 kms/hour but when the cyclone hits the coast, wind speeds can reach up to 180 kms/hr. It has a radius of 350 kilometers at this juncture, Dr Kankane informed.

Earlier, tidal waves washed away 300 houses along the coastal areas of Valsad and Surat districts since Friday. However, the villagers were shifted to safer places, official sources said.

Round-the-clock control rooms, equipped with satellite phones, had been set up in coastal districts, they said, adding two naval ships have already been kept ready with necessary relief material.

The army was put on high alert and authorities continued evacuation of people as high velocity winds blew across coastal areas.

The paramilitary forces, which were earlier stationed in south Gujarat, have been shifted to Kutch, Jamnagar, Porbander and Junagadh districts.

At present, places in south Gujarat, like Surat, Valsad, Hazira and Magdala port, are out of danger. However, the authorities are taking all precautions as the cyclone can change direction any time.

In Bhuj, nearly 150 buses have been kept on stand-by in case people have to be shifted immediately. Most of the people are still staying in tents as construction of pacca houses has still not begun after the devastating earthquake on January 26 this year.

"The state government has cancelled the leave of all officials and they have been told to be on high alert," Revenue Minister Vajubhai Vala announced.

The official figures state that nearly 10,000 people have been evacuated but, according to unofficial estimates, nearly 100,000 people have left the coastal and low lying areas.

With inputs from PTI

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