Gujarat: The cyclonic storm “Vayu” intensified into severe cyclonic storm along the Gujarat coastline put on high alert on Tuesday. According to the IMD severe cyclonic storm “Vayu” is set to hit the Gujarat coast on Thursday, currently moving with a speed of around 630 Kms south to Gujarat Veraval. According to the weather officials cyclonic storm Vayu would hit the Gujarat coast with the wind speed of 110-120 Kmph.

  Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said to the media persons that the entire coastline starting from Kutch to South Gujarat has been put on high alert. The people living in the entire coastal belt of the state would be shifted to safer areas, he added. The evacuations of 3, 00, 000 people off the western coast are preparing and would begin starting from today, said the State’s Chief Secretary. Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said that ‘we have cancelled leaves of employees concerned and asked them to join duty. After the Cabinet meet today, all the ministers will go to various districts to oversee relief and rescue operation, he added.

   Gujarat’s Kutch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwaraka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath will likely be affected by Vayu cyclonic storm said weather department officials. The most severe impact would be felt in Kutch and Saurashtra regions, officials said. Cyclonic storm Vayu will strike Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva at wind speeds of 110-120 Kmph, and could possibly increase to 135 Kmph on early Thursday morning. An official said schools, colleges and anganwadis in the coastal districts would remain shut on June 12^th and 13^th. Gujarat Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Pankaj Kumar said that the help of the Air Force would also be taken ‘if needed’. 39 teams of the NDRF along with 34 teams of the Indian Army, the Coast Guard and BSF have been deployed. Fisherman who went into sea has all been called back, an official said.