Cyclone Vayu LIVE REPORT: Storm Moves Away from Gujarat Coast; Strong Winds & Rough Seas to Continue

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the “very severe” cyclonic storm Vayu will not make landfall in Gujarat as it has moved towards the sea. However, the cyclone which currently is Category 2 storm may weaken into a Category 1 storm, as per Skymet Weather.  

But, strong winds and rough seas are likely to continue and may cause damage. On Thursday, in a massive evacuation drive, approximately three lakh people were shifted to safer places as the cyclonic storm Vayu inched closer to the Gujarat coast. It was about to make landfall between Dwarka and Veraval this afternoon.

However, the schools and colleges will remain closed on June 12 and 13 across 10 districts as the Army, NDRF personnel, IAF helicopters and around 300 marine commandoes remain on standby to overlook rescue and relief operations.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani held a review meeting to monitor the situation on Wednesday. Adding to it, flight operations were suspended by the Airports Authority of India in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla for 24 hours from Wednesday midnight. The Western Railways has cancelled 70 trains and will terminate 28 others due to Cyclone Vayu.

Similarly, the Gujarat Maritime Board has also suspended all shipping activities across the Gulf of Khambhat and shifted over 1,600 workers, including those at the Alang shipbreaking yard and the Chara port. The RO-PAX ferry service, between Dahej and Gogha, located across the Gulf of Khambhat was also suspended, as per sources.

Congress president Rahul Gandhi has also asked party workers in the state to help out in areas that are affected by the cyclone. He tweeted, "I pray for the security and well-being of all the people living in the areas expected to be affected."