As per the officials, two power stations in the Maliya Taluka of Morbi have been shut down due to the cyclonic storm. In the coastal and desert regions, more than 300 electric poles have been damaged.
IMD officials said that the 'severe' cyclonic storm Biparjoy lay centred over the Saurashtra-Kutch region and is expected to move northeastwards, adding that heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan on Friday.
IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the cyclone has now moved from sea to land and is centred towards Sauarashtra-Kutch, adding that heavy rains are expected in Rajasthan on Friday.
According to IMD, Cyclone Biparjoy is moving ahead of Saurashtra Kutch as a 'very severe' cyclone. Several relief and rescue teams are on alert as tens of thousands of people were evacuated to safe locations in Gujarat, said officials.
"23 trains have been cancelled, 3 trains short-terminated and 7 trains short-originated. With this, 99 trains have been cancelled, 39 trains have been short-terminated, while 38 trains short-originated as a precautionary measure till June 18, in view of the safety of passengers and train
The evacuees lodged in relief camps, amid a threat from cyclone 'Biparjoy', which has already made landfall in India, complained of being provided with a one-time meal of potato curry, reported Pak vernacular media.
"The landfall process (of cyclone 'Biparjoy') has commenced and it will continue till (Thursday) midnight," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General, of Meteorology, IMD, told ANI.
IFS, Chairman, DPA (Deendayal Port Authority), SK Mehta visited Kandla on Thursday to ensure the preparedness and monitor the situation from Signal Station, in view of the cyclonic storm Biparjoy, along with Senior Officials of Port.
"The landfall process (of cyclone 'Biparjoy') has commenced and it will continue till (Thursday) midnight," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general, Meteorology, IMD, told ANI.