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The severe cyclonic storm that lay about 500 km south-southwest of Veraval in the Arabian Sea has moved slightly in a northwesterly direction with its comparatively reduced revolving speed of 80 to 100 kph and is likely to hit Gujarat coast by evening on Saturday.
According to the director of the meteorology department, R K Kankane, the system is moving at a speed of five to seven kph. But the exact location where the cyclone will hit the coast will be known only by evening on Friday, he added.
At present, experts are indicating that it is likely to strike between Surat and Veraval or at Porbander.
Meanwhile, the state government has geared up to tackle the situation and the army, air force and Border Security Force have been put on alert. Also, additional battalions of the Central Reserve Police Force and State Reserve Police have been deployed in the coastal areas of Surat, Broach and Alang, where the cyclone is likely to hit.
The government has evacuated several thousand people from the low-lying areas near the coast and fishermen have been warned not to venture out to sea.
UNI
EARLIER REPORT: Cyclone intensifies, residents of low-lying Gujarat areas evacuated
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