India on high alert as cyclonic storm strengthens, coastal states warned

India’s western states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, and other coastal regions are on high alert as meteorologists have warned of the intensification of a cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea in the next 24 hours.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has classified the storm, named Biparjoy, as a “very severe storm” and stated that it is expected to further intensify and move north-northeast gradually. At present, the storm is centered approximately 620 kilometers (385.25 miles) west-southwest of Mumbai.

In response to the warning, fishing communities have been advised to halt operations for the next five days in the eastern and central Arabian Sea, as well as in the Saurastra and Kutch regions of India.

The IMD has also issued warnings of heavy rainfall at isolated places in the state of Kerala and the coastal Karnataka region over the next three days. The arrival of monsoon rains in Kerala has been delayed due to the formation of the cyclonic storm.

In Gujarat, 13 coastal districts, including the South Gujarat, Saurashtra peninsula, and Kutch, have been placed on alert. The state authorities, including the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force, are fully prepared to deal with any situation that may arise.

Preventive measures, such as the removal of unstable structures and standby arrangements for electricity supply disruptions, have been implemented to ensure the safety of the affected areas.