As the cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ approaches Gujarat, Relief Commissioner Alok Kumar Pandey said that the administration is taking all necessary preparations to save lives. Through a video conference, Chief Secretary Rajkumar from Gandhinagar offered critical counsel, discussing the cyclone with the Ministers-in-Charge of numerous districts, including Kutch, Jamnagar, Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Morbi, and Rajkot.
Providing an update on the preparedness of the district administration and the outcomes of the review meeting, Relief Commissioner Pandey emphasized the government’s focus on minimizing casualties and losses. As of now, more than 20,000 individuals have been relocated to safer locations in the affected districts. The evacuation process is still ongoing and is expected to be completed by this evening.
Elaborating on the numbers, Pandey reported that 500 people have been shifted to secure places in Junagadh district, 6,786 in Kutch, 1,500 in Jamnagar, 543 in Porbandar, 4,820 in Dwarka, 408 in Gir Somnath, 2,000 in Morbi, and 4,031 in Rajkot.
The Relief Commissioner further informed that 17 teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 12 teams from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed in the cyclone-affected districts. NDRF teams are stationed in Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Morbi, and Valsad, while SDRF teams are stationed in Kutch, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Junagadh, Porbandar, Gir Somnath, Morbi, Patan, Banaskantha, and Surat.
To facilitate the restoration of the power supply post-cyclone, the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) has ensured the availability of necessary resources, including power poles, at the substations. The forest department and road department have equipped their teams with tree cutters and essential equipment to clear roads in the affected areas after the cyclone.
Pandey also highlighted the establishment of shelter homes in government schools and offices located in safer areas along the coast. These facilities are well-equipped with essential amenities, including accommodation, food, water, and medicines. Additionally, an adequate quantity of medical staff and medicines has been made available at health centres, government hospitals, and private hospitals in nearby locations.
Acknowledging the safe return of fishermen following advance information from the Meteorological Department, Pandey assured that the state government maintains constant communication with the concerned district administrations to provide immediate assistance for rescue operations.
The state government’s proactive measures and coordination with various agencies reflect its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people in the face of the impending cyclone.
During the conference, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya from Kutch, Minister Rishikesh Patel, Minister of State Praful Panseria, Minister Kanu Desai from Morbi, Minister Raghavji Patel from Rajkot, and Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya from Porbandar were also present, offering necessary guidance and support.
Also Read: Cyclone Biparjoy: How We Should Be Ready For June 15
