The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Director General, Atul Karwal, announced on Friday that there have been no casualties reported after Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat. Speaking at a press conference, Karwal stated that although two people had lost their lives prior to the cyclone’s arrival, there have been no further fatalities since landfall.
Karwal also mentioned that 24 animals have perished and 23 individuals sustained injuries due to the cyclone. Approximately a thousand villages have experienced interrupted electricity supply, and the aftermath of the cyclone has led to the toppling of around 800 trees. However, heavy rainfall has been confined to the Rajkot region, with no reports of widespread torrential downpours.
According to reports from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Biparjoy originated in the Arabian Sea and made landfall on Thursday night, approximately 10 km north of the Jakhau Port in Kutch. The cyclone is expected to weaken into a deep depression over the Saurashtra-Kutch region, southern Rajasthan, and neighboring areas by the evening.
Karwal emphasized that strong winds accompanied by heavy rainfall are currently affecting regions such as Mundra, Mandvi, Naliya, and Jakhau. Extensive police deployment has been carried out throughout the district to address any emergent situations. Thus far, no casualties have been reported, and the public has been urged to remain indoors until the cyclone subsides completely.
The NDRF Director General also highlighted the possibility of heavy rainfall in south Rajasthan as the cyclone transforms into a deep depression. In response to a request from the Rajasthan State Government, a team has been dispatched to Jalore in anticipation of potential flooding caused by the anticipated heavy rains.
Karwal added that apart from Gujarat and Rajasthan, NDRF teams have been deployed to other affected parts of India as well. Currently, four teams are operating in Karnataka, five in Maharashtra, and one in the union territory of Diu, while additional teams are on standby in these areas.
The DG of NDRF acknowledged that more than 500 houses, mostly thatched and kutcha structures, have been damaged, with only a small number of permanent houses suffering damage. The disruption of electricity supply has affected around a thousand villages, with Kutch district experiencing the most significant impact. Furthermore, approximately 800 trees have been damaged due to the cyclone.
Karwal praised the successful evacuation efforts conducted in low-lying critical areas of Gujarat. The state government’s comprehensive study and subsequent evacuation measures resulted in the successful relocation of more than 1 lakh people from vulnerable regions, mitigating the potential loss of life. While the two lives lost prior to the cyclone’s arrival were unfortunate, effective measures minimized further casualties.
Providing updates on the current weather conditions, Karwal stated that apart from Rajkot, there has been a reduction in wind speeds across Gujarat, and heavy rainfall has been limited to areas such as Dwarka. Kutch remains the most affected region, with wind speeds ranging from 90-100 kmph, while surrounding areas experience speeds of 40-70 kmph. Heavy rainfall is expected in south Rajasthan during the evening hours.
Karwal emphasized that the immediate focus of the NDRF and the administration is to restore normalcy as quickly as possible. Efforts are underway to ensure the rescue of individuals caught in potential flooding during the forecasted rainfall in affected areas.
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