Vayu turns ‘very severe’; IMD warns Gujarat government to intensify evacuation efforts along coasts

AHMEDABAD: The latest Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) bulletin has said that the ‘very severe cyclonic storm ‘VAYU’ over east-central Arabian Sea has moved north-north-westwards with a speed of about 11 kmph in last six hours and lay centered at over east central Arabian Sea, about 460 km northwest of Goa, 290 km west-southwest of Mumbai and 320 km nearly south of Veraval (Gujarat).
IMD claims that ‘Vayu’ is very likely to move nearly northwards and cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Diu around west of Veraval as a very severe cyclonic storm with wind speed touching 145-155 kmph gusting to 170 kmph around early morning of June 13.
According to the IMD forecast on June 12 gale wind (a strong wind) speeds will reach reach 140-150 kmph gusting to 165 kmph prevailing over east-central and adjoining north-east Arabian Sea and will become 145-155 kmph gusting to 170 kmph by June 12 night. The note further adds that the cyclone is very likely to be 50 to 60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over Maharashtra Coast. On June 13 the gale wind (strong wind) speed over north Arabian Sea and Gujarat coast in morning hours and decrease gradually thereafter. It is very likely to be 50-60 kmph gusting to 70 kmph over north Maharashtra coasts and northern parts of east-central Arabian Sea.
The IMD note has warned of large scale damage in coastal areas of Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, Diu, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar districts . The destruction is expected to thatch houses. There is also potential threat from flying objects, bending or uprooting of power and communication poles. The note further warns district authorities managing evacuation efforts in coastal areas to ensure that flood escape routes are clear. Apart from these, IMD has warned of widespread damage to standing crops, plantation, orchards, falling of green coconuts and other such as tearing of palm fronds, blowing down of bushy trees like mango. Small boats, country boats may also get detached from their moorings.