Rajkot, Gujarat: As Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies, all Public Service Centers and Zonal Supply Offices in Rajkot will remain closed until June 16 as a precautionary measure. These services are expected to resume on June 17, under normal operations.
Local authorities have been mobilized to handle the possible fallout of Cyclone Biparjoy. Collector Prabhav Joshi has advised residents to stay indoors unless absolutely necessary. The closure of public service centers and zonal offices over three days – June 14, 15, and 16 – is a part of the state's preventive approach against the cyclone.
In a massive evacuation exercise across the district, a total of 1026 residents from seven talukas have been moved to safer locations. This includes 51 children and several pregnant women from Jetpur town, 340 individuals from Gondal town and village, 41 people from the villages of Vinchiya, Modhuka, and Akandia, 82 from Lodhika taluka, 172 from Dhoraji taluka, 180 from Upleta taluka, and 112 from Jamkandorna taluka.
Currently wreaking havoc in the coastal regions, Cyclone Biparjoy is moving at a speed of 5 kmph in the sea. It is located 300 km from Dwarka, 350 km from Porbandar, and 290 km from Jakhau.
Predicted wind speeds accompanying the cyclone range between 135 to 150 kmph, while in Jakhou, the speed could reach up to 125 to 135 kmph. It is anticipated to hit Jakhau in Kutch on Thursday evening, prompting the issuance of alerts in all coastal areas. There is also a potential for a 2 to 3 meter surge in sea and bay water levels due to the storm.
