Cyclone Vayu Weakens, Crosses Gujarat’s Kutch With Spells of Rain

Cyclone Vayu may hit the coast of Gujarat’s Kutch as a cyclonic storm or deep depression.

The Quint
India
Updated:
 A huge wave hits the wall of a temple along the sea shore during high tide, at Veraval, in Gir Somnath on Thursday, 13 June 2019.
i
A huge wave hits the wall of a temple along the sea shore during high tide, at Veraval, in Gir Somnath on Thursday, 13 June 2019.
(Photo: PTI)

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After Cyclone Vayu weakened into a depression, it crossed Gujarat's Kutch district on Tuesday, 18 June, morning, causing rainfall at some places in the state.

Rains are likely to continue till Wednesday, 19 June, in Kutch, Saurashtra and north Gujarat regions because of its impact, she said.

(Source: Windy.com)

  • North Gujarat and districts in Saurashtra-Kutch region are predicted to get heavy rain on Tuesday, 18 June.

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NDRF, IAF Teams Start Landing in Guj for Preventive Ops

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) started landing in Gujarat with the help of the Indian Air Force to undertake preventive evacuation of people living on the west coast, an IAF official told PTI.

The state government said the cyclone is likely to affect Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts.

People living in low-lying areas of these 10 districts are being shifted to safer places, it said.

Because of the cyclonic storm, the Arabian Sea has turned turbulent and bigger waves are advancing towards coastal areas, the IMD said.

Huge waves lashed Devbaug village in Malvan tehsil of Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district on Wednesday, 12 June.

The Indian Coast Guard, the Navy, Army and Air Force units have been put on standby and surveillance aircraft and helicopters are carrying out aerial surveillance, an official had earlier said.

20 Villages in Gujarat's Valsad on High Alert Ahead of Landfall

Twenty villages in the Valsad district have been put on alert ahead of landfall of Cyclone Vayu in Gujarat on Thursday, 13 June, morning. Thirty-nine schools in villages near the coasts in Valsad will remain closed. The fire and rescue teams are also on alert, reported ANI.

Cyclone Vayu is very likely to cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva as a very severe cyclonic storm.

Kandla port temporarily in Kutch is also closed ahead of the landfall. Locals who live in areas near the port and fishermen are being evacuated to safer places by NDRF.

Indian Coast Guard Western Region on Standby

Indian Coast Guard Western Region formed Disaster Relief Teams are kept on immediate notice at Daman, Dahanu, Mumbai, Murud Janjira, Ratnagiri, Goa, Karwar, Mangalore, Beypore, Vijhinjam and Kochi for immediate response to the impending cyclone.

The Ministry of Defence issued a statement saying, "Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) bricks and relief material have been embarked on board nominated ships of the Command and are ready to be deployed at short notice."

"Medical teams and facilities at Indian Naval Hospital Asvini at Mumbai are standby to handle medical emergencies," the statement read.

Another C-17 got airborne from New Delhi to Patna to airlift 154 NDRF personnel and 6 tons of load from Patna to Jamnagar for the HADR. The IAF helicopters are on standby at various AF bases for HADR. IAF is committed in providing assistance to our citizens in line of cyclone.

National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, with the help of police and civil administration, has evacuated 65 people from Diu and shifted them to shelters.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/NDRF)

'Dos and Don'ts' List Issued By NDMA

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Wednesday, issued a dos and don'ts list ahead of the cyclone landfall.

NDMA urged people ignore rumours and listen to the radio or read newspaper for the updates in the cyclone. NDMA urged fishermen to not venture out in the sea and keep their boats and rafts tied up at a safe place.

After the landfall, people are requested to keep the doors and windows shut, drink boiled or chlorinated water and only rely on official warnings, said NDMA.

Directing Vessel, Fishermen Back to Harbour: Indian Coast Guard

“All our units are ready. If any fishermen or vessel are found at sea, we're directing them back to harbour. Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre is issuing advisories to all mariners in the area, situation monitored real-time,” said Commandant V Dogra, Indian Coast Guard Regional Op and Plan Officer in Mumabi.

(Photo Courtesy: NDRF)

No Cyclone Detectors in Saurashtra, Kutch to Restrict Live Tracking of Vayu

The Skymet said, that it will not be possible to track the cyclone that will make a landfall in Gujarat as there are no cyclone detectors in Saurashtra and Kutch.

It said, “Gujarat is expected to see hefty rains with strong winds and possibility of flooding in many areas as well. Moreover, the government has started to make ample preparations in view of the Cyclone Vayu, right from having NDRF teams deployed to evacuating at least 3 lakh people from Gujarat.

“The unfortunate part is that it will not be possible to track Vayu live as was done during the time of Fani. Cyclones are tracked each minute by Cyclone Detection Radars (CDR) which are sufficiently available on the East Coast.”

Special Trains to Run For Evacuation in Gujarat: Western Railways

The Western Railway tweeted on Wednesday, that it is prepared to take necessary steps for safety of passengers and trains. The divisions where stations are situated in coastal areas in Gujarat will be on alert.

"In view of warnings of Vayu Cyclone, Western Railway is taking special precautions at all its stations which are situated near coasts. Gandhidham, Bhavnagar Para, Porbandar, Veraval and Okha to run one Special train each to evacuate people from their areas. Timings of special trains will be notified soon."

All passenger and express trains in Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar and Bhuj/Gandhidham will be cancelled after 6:00 pm on Wednesday till Thursday, 13 June morning.

District Collectors to Evacuate by 3 PM: Gujarat CM Rupani

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday, 12 June, addressed media and said that he is continuously monitoring the situation in the state. He has asked all the concerned district collector to finish the evacuation procedure by 3 pm.

He requested "all tourists visiting coastal places of Somnath, Dwarka and Kutch to leave for a safer place or return to their respective states by afternoon on Wednesday.

School, Colleges Shut For Two Days in Gujarat

In the wake of Cyclone Vayu, which will make a landfall on Thursday in Gujarat, Gujarat government has declared two-day holiday for all schools and colleges.

Gujarat Tourism also urged tourists visiting Gujarat “now and the residents of nearby areas have been advised to leave for safer places after the afternoon of 12 June. Also, the travellers who have planned their visits in coming 2-3 days are advised to postpone.”

Rahul Gandhi Urges Party Workers to Help

Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday prayed for the safety of people in Gujarat ahead of cyclone Vayu and appealed the Congress workers to be ready to help.

"Cyclone Vayu is about to reach Gujarat coast. I appeal to all Gujarat Congress workers to be ready to help in all the areas that come in the way. I pray for the safety and well-being of all the people in the areas affected by the cyclone," he tweeted.

Flight Operations From Ahmedabad's Airport Cancelled For Thursday

Flight operations from Ahmedabad's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport to Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Mundra and Bhavnagar are cancelled for Thursday, 13 June.

The cyclone would leave its impact on the coastal districts, including Kutch, Bhavnagar, Gir-Somnath, Porbandar, Amreli and Junagadh

All Beaches Closed in Mumbai Ahead of Cyclone Vayu Landfall

In view of the cyclonic formation, Vayu, in the Arabian Sea coupled with high tide on 12-13 June, all beaches in the Kokan region: Palgahar, Thane, Mumbai (city/suburban), Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg may be shut off to the public immediately for next two days, reported ANI.

Railways Cancels Trains to Coastal Areas of Gujarat

The Western Railway has decided to short terminate or cancel some of its trains passing through areas of Gujarat that are likely to be affected by Cyclone Vayu, reported news agency PTI.

All WR passenger and mail trains to Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhidham stations in Gujarat will be short-terminated or cancelled from 6 pm on Wednesday till Friday morning, the WR said in a bulletin.

It has also planned to run a special train each from Gandhidham, Bhavnagar Para, Porbandar, Veraval and Okha to evacuate people from those areas, it said.

Special trains with six to 10 coaches each will also be kept ready at the nearest safe location to be moved in emergency conditions, it said.

Monitoring Situation, Praying for Safety: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted on Wednesday saying that the central government is monitoring the situation caused due to Cyclone Vayu. He urged the locals to follow instructions provided by government agencies.

Navy Deploys Resources to Deal With Cyclone Vayu

The Indian Navy on Wednesday said the Western Naval Command has deployed its ships, aircraft and helicopters for rescue and relief operations and to alert the fishermen at sea about the impending Cyclone Vayu, reported news agency PTI.

The Navy said its diving and rescue teams and relief material have been kept on standby for rendering assistance to civil authorities.

"Bricks and relief material have been embarked on board nominated ships of the (Western) Command and are ready to be deployed at short notice.

"Indian Navy ships operating at sea and aircraft, helicopters on routine sorties have been directed to inform fishing vessels operating at sea and advise them to return to harbour," it said.

P8i reconnaissance aircraft and IL-76 transporter aircraft are on standby to undertake Search and Rescue (SAR) missions.

Satellite Images of Cyclone Vayu

ONGC Puts Western Offshore Installations on High Alert

State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC) has put its installations in the western offshore on high alert and restricted helicopter sorties as a cyclone gathers intensity over the Arabian Sea, reported news agency PTI.

ONGC produces bulk of India's oil and gas from fields off the west coast, with several of its installations on these housing its operational personnel.

Sources said the company has not evacuated any of its personnel from the living quarters on the western offshore fields like Mumbai High and Bassein but has stopped helicopter sorties to wellheads.

Railway Cancels 70 Trains, Short Terminates 28 Others

The railways has cancelled 70 trains and it will short terminate 28 others due to Cyclone Vayu, news agency ANI reported quoting Western Railway.

"In addition to this, various safety and security precautions are also being taken by the Western Railway for train passengers of these prone areas under the jurisdiction of WR -- Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhidham," the railways said.

Operations Suspended in Several Gujarat Airports

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) has suspended flight operations at airports in Porbandar, Diu, Bhavnagar, Keshod and Kandla from Wednesday midnight till Thursday midnight.

Cyclone Vayu: Gujarat CM Holds Meeting with Senior Officials

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani held a meeting with senior officials of the state, officers from the Army and NDRF and District Magistrates, in Gandhinagar on 12 June. Cyclone Vayu is very likely to cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva as a very severe cyclonic storm on the morning of 13 June.

(Source: ANI)

Over Two Lakh People Evacuated from 10 Districts of Gujarat

A total of 2,02,014 people have been evacuated as of 6 pm on 12 June from 10 districts of Gujarat.

(Source: ANI)

Cyclone Vayu: Over 2.75 Lakh People Evacuated, Says Gujarat CM

On the number of people who have been evacuated, Gujarat chief minster said, “More than 2.75 Lakh people have been evacuated. All sea-related activities have been stopped. All departments are on alert. Senior ministers and senior secretaries have been sent to control rooms of district administration, they're monitoring situation. Planning had been done in advance.”

He further added that 47 troops of NDRF have reached Gujarat, five-six more teams will reach by morning of 13 June. Army, Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard have taken their positions. State Disaster Management is at work and police patrolling will be done throughout the night so that no one is left in the lower regions, he said.

(Source: ANI)

Cyclone Vayu: Very Likely to Cross Gujarat Coast Between Porbandar and Mahuva

A very severe cyclonic storm, Cyclone Vayu is very likely to cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva on 13 June. More than 2.75 lakh people have been evacuated in the state.

Visuals from the Chowpatty beach in Porbandar.

Western Railway: Seven More Trains Cancelled, 110 Trains Affected

As a precautionary measure in the cyclone prone areas, Western Railway has decided to cancel seven more trains and short terminate with partial cancellation another five trains. A total of 110 trains of Western Railway have been affected.

(Source: ANI)

Sea in Veraval Turns Trubulent; Cyclone Vayu Likely to Hit Today

The sea at Jaleshwar in Veraval turns turbulent. Cyclone Vayu is very likely to cross Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva as a very severe cyclonic storm on 13 June. More than 2.75 lakh people in the state have been evacuated.

Cyclone Vayu: Sea at Chowpatty Beach in Porbandar Turns Violent

The sea at Chowpatty beach in Porbandar turns violent.

Cyclone Vayu: Porbandar, Kutch, Dwarka to Be Affected

Cyclone Vayu very likely to move nearly north-northwestwards along Saurashtra coast. It will affect Amreli, Gir, Somnath, Diu, Junagarh, Porbandar, Rajkot, Jamnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Kutch districts of Gujarat with wind speed of 155-165 kmph gusting to 180 kmph likely from afternoon of 13 June, the IMD said.

(Source: ANI)

Gusty Winds at Speed of 145-170 Kmph Expected

“Cyclone Vayu will cause gusty winds to blow at a speed of 145 kmph to 170 kmph by Thursday morning,”the Indian Meteorological Department said.

Cyclone Vayu 130 Km SW of Veraval

Cyclonic storm Vayu over EC Arabian Sea has moved NNW-wards in the last six hours, the IMD said. It is now 130 km Southwest of Veraval and 180 km South of Porbandar. It is likely to move NNW for some time and then NW-wards, skirting Saurashtra coast with wind speed 135-145 kmph from this afternoon.

Winds Damage Shed at Entrance of Somnath Temple

The shed at the entrance of Somnath Temple, in Gir Somnath district has been damaged due to strong winds.

The shed at the entrance of Somnath Temple.(Photo Courtesy: ANI)

Food Packets to be Distributed in Cyclone Affected Areas of Gujarat

Food packets are being prepared by various groups in Rajkot, in the light of Cyclone Vayu . The food packets will be dispatched to the cyclone affected areas of the state, as per the instructions by the government officials.

Food packets being prepared.(Photo Courtesy: ANI)

Cyclone Vayu May Not Make Landall, Could Skirt Gujarat Coast Near Porbandar: Skymet

According to private weather forecaster Skymet, there are fair chances that this very severe cyclonic may drift away from the Saurashtra coast. According to Skymet Weather, Vayu is tracking north-northwestwards. Weather models are now indicating that there is fair amount of probability that very severe cyclone Vayu may just skirt the Gujarat coast near Porbandar, close to Dwarka or Okha coast.

The system would continue to travel in water but proximity of coast might led to its weakening. Very severe cyclone Vayu which at present is Category 2 storm may weaken into a Category 1 storm. However, system would be packed with the winds to the tune of 135 kmph to 145 kmph gusting up to 175 kmph may cause damage.

As the system curves north-northwest, the speed of the system would become slow. After crossing the Gujarat coast, Vayu would encounter an anti-cyclone over North Arabian Sea. As a result, the system might become stagnant near Karachi Coast. There are chances that Vayu may not make landfall and weaken in the sea itself, Skymet said.

Maharashtra: Beaches in Konkan Region Shut Off

In view of Cyclone Vayu in the Arabian Sea coupled with high tide on 12 and 13 June, all beaches in the Konkan region have been shut off to the public.

Mahim beach.(Photo Courtesy: ANI)

Cyclone Vayu Won't Hit Gujarat: IMD

“Cyclone Vayu won't hit Gujarat. It will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar, Dwarka. Its effect will be seen on the coastal regions as there will be heavy wind speed and heavy rain as well,” Manorama Mohanty, a scientist at India Meteorological Department, Ahmedabad said.

Temples Can't be Closed: Gujarat Min on Somnath Temple Remaining Open

“Temples can't be closed. We have requested tourists not to visit, but 'aarti' ïs being performed since many years can't be stopped,” Gujarat Minister Bhupendrasinh Chudasama said, after the Somnath Temple has remained open despite the alert issued in view of Cyclone Vayu.

Eye of Cyclone Vayu May Not Hit Porbandar, But System Will Still Hit: IMD Mumbai

IMD Mumbai said that the extent of cyclone is over 900 km and that while the eye of cyclone may or may not hit Porbandar, the system will still hit. Accompanying risk factors such as wind, storm surge and rainfall are all still threats, it said, asking people not to relax in preparedness.

Six Teams of NDRF on Alert in Porbandar

Six teams of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) are on alert in Porbandar.

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Rough Seas Lash Coastal Saurashtra

Fishermen try to control their boat amidst rough sea waters at Veraval, in Gir Somnath, Thursday, June 13, 2019. (Photo: PTI)

Government's Alertness for Cyclone Vayu Continues With Same Intensity: Gujarat Govt

A notice from the Revenue department of the Government of Gujarat states that the government continues to remain alert for the cyclone.

“Governments alertness for #CycloneVayu continues with same intensity. Persons shifted to shelter homes to stay there. People should continue to stay in safe areas. Their preparedness to continue at same level . No movements in Coastal areas. We continue to be Alert. #VayuCyclone,” the notice issued by Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue Department states.

52 Team of NDRF, 11 Colums of Army Deployed in Coastal Districts of Gujarat

Fishermen have been warned not to venture into the sea as it has turned rough. The coast guard, army, navy, air force and the Border Security Force have been put on high alert.

Around 52 teams of the National Disaster Response Force and 11 columns (each having around 70 personnel) of the army have been deployed in the coastal districts of Gujarat.

Besides, 24 army columns have been kept reserved for any emergency situation.

GTDC Seeks Report on Cruises Operating Despite Cyclone Warning

The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has sought a report over some cruise ships operating in the Mandovi river in Goa located close to the Arabian Sea despite a warning of rough weather along the state coast due to Cyclone Vayu, an official said.

The GTDC received complaints that some cruise vessels were operating close to the sea waters, the state-run entity's chairman, Dayanand Sopte, told reporters in Panaji on Wednesday.

The weather department on Tuesday predicted heavy rainfall in the state due to cyclone Vayu, prompting the authorities to close the shoreline for swimming.

However, despite the warning, some cruise vessels operated in the river, Sopte noted.

"I have asked the officials concerned to submit a report to me in two days on how the cruise ships were allowed to leave the jetty and venture into the water," he said.

No Casualties Due to Cyclone Vayu Till Now: Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue

No casualties have been recorded due to Cyclone Vayu till now, Pankaj Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of Revenue said on Thursday. He added that the deaths – six deaths in the last two days – is not due to the cyclone, but because of the monsoon.

No Damage to Airport Infrastructure, Facilities in Gujarat So Far

The effect of Cyclone Vayu has been mild at most of the airports of Gujarat. No damage to any airport infrastructure or facilities has been reported so far. The situation is normal at Surat, Bhuj, Keshod, Kandla, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Ahmedabad.

Diu, Porbandar and Bhavnagar Airports that are currently witnessing a wind speed of 30-40 kmph gusting up to 60 kmph have been asked to closely monitor the situation and take note of Meteorological data

Cyclone Vayu: Railways Cancels 77 Trains, Short Terminates 33 Others

The railways has cancelled 77 trains and short terminated 33 others due to Cyclone Vayu, the Western Railways said Thursday.

The cancellations were made as a precaution even though the cyclone changed its course and is unlikely to make landfall in Gujarat. However, it will cause heavy rain in several coastal districts of the state.

“Considering the alertness for Cyclone Vayu over Gujarat, the Western Railway has decided to fully cancel operation of 77 mainline trains, while 33 other mainline trains have been short terminated with partial cancellation as a precautionary measure in the cyclone prone areas.

In addition to this, various safety and security precautions are also being taken by the Western Railway for train passengers of these prone areas under the jurisdiction of WR – Veraval, Okha, Porbandar, Bhavnagar, Bhuj and Gandhidham," the railways said.

The Veraval-Amreli, Amreli-Junagadh, Delvada-Veraval are some of the trains that were cancelled on Wednesday and Thursday.

The Western Railway has also decided to run special relief trains. Two such special evacuation trains have been run in Rajkot division and one in Bhavnagar division to clear passengers from coastal areas that are affected by the cyclone.

Fishing Boats Beached at Porbandar Safe From Onslaught of Cyclone Vayu

Ministry of Earth Science Issues Orange Alert

The Ministry of Earth Science has issued an orange alert over northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea.

Cyclone Vayu: Power Supply Disrupted in 560 Gujarat Villages

Power supply has been disrupted in nearly 560 villages of Gujarat due to Cyclone Vayu and all efforts are underway to restore it, an official said on Thursday.

The Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Limited (GUVNL) chalked out an action plan well in advance in view of the cyclone threat, the state government-promoted company's incharge managing director Shahmeena Husain told PTI.

"Around 561 feeder lines in Saurashtra and south Gujarat are affected due to the impact of cyclone Vayu. We are confident that the power supply will be restored soon in the 560 affected villages," she said.

The GUVNL teams were finding it difficult to reach some of the water-logged coastal areas, she added.

Rainfall Continues in Gujarat, Areas Receive Over 30 mm Rainfall

The effects of Cyclone Vayu can be seen in Gujarat, with two talukas in Amreli receiving 35 mm of rainfall and one receiving 30 mm, while Talaja and Mahuva in Bhavnagar received 33 mm and 30 mm rainfall respectively, a document released by the Gujarat government said.

9 More Trains Cancelled, Another 4 Short Termninated Ahead of Vayu Cyclone

Nine more trains have been cancelled and another four short terminated with partial cancellation as precautionary measure in view of Cyclone Vayu, reports ANI.

NDRF Rescues Pregnant Woman, Safely Brought to the Hospital

In Gujarat, NDRF rescued a pregnant woman requiring pre-term delivery from Shiyalbet village, where boats are the only mode of transportation and took her to a hospital in Jafarabad. The woman successfully delivered a baby boy, condition of both the child and mother is stable, reports ANI.

Cyclone Moves NW Towards Saurashtra Coast, Heavy Rainfall Over Coastal Areas Continues

Guj BJP President Visits Vulnerable Areas of Gir Somnath District

State BJP president Jitu Vaghani visited some areas of Gir Somnath district which are likely to be affected by Cyclone Vayu.

(Source: Twitter)

PM Modi Also Spoke to Gujarat CM Assuring Central Govt's Support

Ahmedabad Witnesses Heavy Rainfall

There has been heavy rainfall in Sola Bhagwat, Ambavadi and Memnagar. Rains will continue in the state.

(Source: Twitter)

86 Trains Cancelled, Several Short Terminated

The Indian railways has cancelled 86 trains and short terminated 37 others due to Cyclone Vayu, officials told PTI.

Monitoring the Situation, Fully Prepared: DIG of Coast Guard

Iqbal Singh Chauhan, DIG of Coast Guard, Porbandar said, “We have been monitoring it since last Saturday, took pre-emptive actions and ensured that there are no fishermen or boats out in the sea. We are monitoring the current situation and are fully prepared.”

Portion of Porbandar's Bhuteshwar Mahadev Temple Collapses

A portion of the centuries-old Bhuteshwar Mahadev temple near the coastal area of Porbandar has collapsed due to heavy winds and sea waves triggered by Cyclone Vayu, according to ANI.

Defence Min Rajnath Singh Reviews Navy's Preparation for Cyclone Vayu

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the Navy's preparedness along the Maharashtra and Gujarat coast in view of Cyclone Vayu, officials said, reported PTI.

Cyclone Vayu to Move Towards Oman, Administration Still on High Alert: Guj CM Rupani

Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said, “According to IMD bulletin, Cyclone Vayu which was going to hit Gujarat has moved towards Oman. But still for 24 hours, administration will be on high alert, schools of 10 districts will stay closed tomorrow.”

Flight Operations to Resume at Diu, Porbandar and Bhavnagar Airports from 14 June

Airports Authority of India: AAI reviewed the status of its airports in Gujarat in wake of Cyclone Vayu; Kandla and Keshod airports to resume normal flight operations from Thursday, 13 June midnight, ANI reported. Normal flight operations will resume at Bhavnagar airport from 6 am on Friday, 14 June.

The Airports Authority of India (AAI) said the normal flight operations will resume at Diu & Porbandar airports (Gujarat) from 10 am on Friday, 14 June.

Cyclone Vayu to Move West-Northwestwards Skirting Saurashtra Coast: IMD

IMD Advisory: Vayu Centers Over Northeast, Arabian Sea

The very severe Cyclone Vayu lay centred at 03:30 hours IST of 14 June over northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea. The cyclone remained practically stationary in the last one hour about 240 km west of Diu (Gujarat) and 130 km nearly southwest of Porbandar (Gujarat), the Indian Meteorological Department said on Friday, 4 June morning.

Mumbai Monsoon Might be Delayed by Another Seven Days

Cyclone Vayu to have an impact on the movement on the South West Monsoon, may take another seven days to reach Mumbai, the IMD said.

46 More Trains Cancelled, Western Railway Says

On Friday, 14 June, 37 more mainline trains were cancelled and another 9 short ones were terminated with partial cancellation as a precautionary measure in view of Cyclone Vayu.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani Calls Back Ministers, Officials Sent to Tackle Vayu

Gujarat Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, on Friday 14 June said that since the Cyclone will not hit Gujarat, the state is safe now. He was quoted by ANI as saying that the government has decided to call back all senior ministers and officials that were sent to tackle the situation in 10 areas that were expected to be affected.

Western Railway Cancels 7 More Mainline Trains

Western Railway has cancelled seven more mainline trains and short terminated another five, with partial cancellation as precautionary measure in view of Cyclone Vayu, reports ANI.

Cyclone Vayu to Recurve, Will Likely Hit Gujarat's Kutch as Cyclonic Storm

Cyclone Vayu will change its path again and is likely to hit Kutch on 17-18 June, a top official of the Ministry of Earth Sciences told PTI on Friday, 14 June.

The very severe cyclonic storm will also reduce in intensity and turn into a severe cyclonic storm by Saturday morning, a senior India Meteorological Department (IMD) official reportedly said.

"The system is moving nearly westwards affecting Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka districts with wind speed 50-60 kilometres per hour gusting to 70 kilometres per hour and Gir Somnath and Junagarh districts with wind speed 30-40 kilometres per hour gusting to 50 kilometres per hour. The wind speed over these districts is very likely to decrease gradually," the Cyclone Warning Division said in a 5.30 pm bulletin.

"The system is very likely to move nearly westwards during next 48 hours and recurve northeastwards thereafter," it added.

Power Generation Affected in Gujarat Due to Cyclone 'Vayu'

Power generation from over a dozen plants of Gujarat State Electricity Company Ltd (GSECL) were shut for two days due to a drastic drop in demand amid the cyclonic storm ‘Vayu’, an official said on Friday.

These GSECL-operated plants, numbering 15, are located at Gandhinagar in North Gujarat, Wanakbori in Central Gujarat, Ukai in South Gujaratand Sikka near Jamnagar in the Saurshatra region, he said.

The coal-fired plants were shutdown for generation on 11 and 12 June as electricity transmission and distribution were impacted due to the cyclone, which eventually moved away from the Gujarat coast, the official from GSECL told PTI.

The disruption in transmission and distribution led to a sudden decline in demandfor power, leading to the temporary closure of these plants, he said.

Hours After Gujarat CM's All-Clear, IMD Says Vayu Could Recurve

A top Union Ministry of Earth Sciences official said on Friday, 14 June, that Cyclone Vayu is likely to recurve and hit Kutch on 17-18 June, hours after Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani announced that the storm posed no threat to the state as it had moved westward.

"Vayu is likely to recurve on 16 June and hit Kutch on 17-18 June," M Rajeevan, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, told PTI.

The intensity of the very severe cyclonic storm is also likely to reduce, Rajeevan said, adding that it may hit the coast as a cyclonic storm or a deep depression.

He said the Gujarat government has been alerted about the possible recurvature of the cyclonic storm.

Cyclone Vayu Currently Moving Away From the Coast: IMD

IMD says cyclone Vayu is about 390 km west of Diu and 280 km west-southwest of Porbandar. It is moving nearly westwards and is currently moving away from the coast.

Cyclone Vayu to Weaken, Set to Reach Guj Coast as Depression

A gradually weakened cyclone Vayu is likely to reach coastal Saurashtra and Kutch in Gujarat as a depression by Monday evening, the latest bulletin of the India Meteorological Department stated, according to PTI.

The IMD statement informed that the cyclone moved westwards with a speed of about 6 km per hour overnight before positioning itself around 275 kilometres west-southwest of Porbandar and 330 kilometres west-southwest of Veraval on Saturday morning.

Vayu Moving Away From Gujarat Coast

The very severe cyclonic storm Vayu lay centered at 18:30 hrs IST, about 355 km west-southwest of Porbandar, Gujarat, and is currently moving away from the coast, reported ANI, quoting the IMD.

Vayu to Weaken Before Recurving Towards Gujarat Coast

Cyclone Vayu is likely to gradually weaken into a cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours before it recurves and crosses the Gujarat coast by Monday midnight as a depression, news agency PTI reported quoting the meteorological department.

On Sunday morning, the cyclone remained centred about 470 km west-southwest of Porbandar, 440 km southwest of Dwarka and 545 km southwest of Bhuj, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said in a bulletin.

Vayu to Weaken Into 'Well-Marked Low Pressure Area'

Cyclone Vayu, which weakened into a depression, is likely to weaken further into a well-marked low pressure area before crossing the north Gujarat coast, a senior IMD official said, according to PTI.

Manorama Mohanty, scientist at India Meteorological Department in Ahmedabad, said Vayu was no longer a danger and would cause rainfall, and winds with a speed of 30-40 km per hour.

Cyclone Vayu Weakens, Crosses Kutch Coast in Gujarat

Cyclone Vayu weakened and crossed Gujarat's Kutch district on the morning of Tuesday, 17 June, causing rainfall at some places in the state, a MeT official said.

"Cyclone Vayu converted into a low pressure area when it crossed over Kutch in the morning. This will cause rainfall in the region," said Manorama Mohanty, scientist at the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Ahmedabad centre, PTI reported.

"Warning for ports has been lowered, but the advisory for fishermen will continue till Wednesday morning. The low pressure system is going to further weaken," she said.

Published: 12 Jun 2019,11:44 AM IST

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