Cyclone Maha re-curves towards Gujarat but likely to weaken; might hit Diu on Nov 7

The storm was earlier of the extreme severe category but has weakened to very severe one.

As per the latest official bulletin of the Met department, Maha is very likely to cross Gujarat coast around Diu as a cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 70-80 kmph gusting to 90 kmph around morning hours of Nov 7.

Due to its impact, heavy to very heavy rains were very likely at a few places in the districts of the Gujarat region namely Ahmedabad, Anand, Surat, Bharuch; in the districts of Saurashtra namely Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Botad, Porbandar, Rajkot.

Meanwhile, the state machinery has geared up for rescue and relief operations in the coastal areas. Rescue and relief centers have been established. A total of 30 companies of NDRF is being deployed in the areas.
      
An official, however, said that the shifting of the people from coastal areas would be done after getting a nod from the Met department.

Chief Minister Vijay Rupani told media persons that the government was ready to face the cyclone even if it hit Gujarat coast with a speed of 120 kmph. All precautionary preparations have been made to ensure that not a single life is lost.

In Diu, the Union Territory adjoining the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, five teams of NDRF are being deployed. Police would be deployed to keep tourists and others away from beaches.

(Image credit : UNI)