The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel hall, a multipurpose hall of the Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) in Gandhidham town, has been converted into a temporary shelter as the port closed all operations on Monday due to the approaching cyclone. Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya sat among the evacuees from Kandla on Tuesday, convincing them to stay until their lives were no longer at risk.
In 1998, an intense cyclone in the same town left a trail of death and destruction, mainly affecting employees of the Kandla Port and salt pan workers.
The DPA, an autonomous body under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, Waterways, has evacuated 2,200 people from the port with the help of local police. By Tuesday evening, over 37,700 people had been evacuated from the most vulnerable coastal districts, with the Army on standby. Unfortunately, there have been four cyclone-related deaths so far.
Mandaviya reassured the evacuees in Gujarati, emphasizing the importance of their safety and following evacuation instructions. He spent time among the people evacuated from their homes in Kutch, where Cyclone Biparjoy was approaching.
The DPA provided temporary shelters in Gopalpur for the evacuees. The district administration aimed to evacuate a total of 14,088 people living in vulnerable areas, with more evacuations planned if necessary.
As the cyclone approached, the IMD warned of potential damage in several districts, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar. The cyclone’s impact is expected to be severe, with heavy rainfall and strong winds.
Precautionary measures have been taken, including school closures, shutting down sea ports, and canceling train services. Various agencies, including NDRF, SDRF, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, are prepared for rescue and relief operations.
The cyclone has disrupted normal life and caused power outages in many villages. Fishing activities have been suspended, and precautionary measures are in place to minimize damage.
The government and authorities are working together to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas. The Army and disaster response teams are on standby to provide assistance as needed.
