Cyclone Vayu, which intensified into a ‘very severe cyclonic storm’, has changed its course slightly, according to the latest report by the IMD. The cyclone which was expected to make landfall around noon today, is not likely to hit Gujarat. It will pass nearby from Veraval, Porbandar and Dwarka regions. The effect of Cyclone Vayu will be seen on the coastal regions with strong winds and heavy rain. Revising its forecasts, the IMD said Cyclone Vayu is likely to move North-Northwest for some time and then Northwest-wards, skirting the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat with a wind speed 135-145 kmph from this afternoon. The state government has shifted around three lakh people from low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch regions. The cyclone is likely to affect Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts. PM Modi has advised people in his home state to follow real-time information being given by local agencies to stay safe. Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani also appealed to people to cooperate in the evacuation process so that there is no loss of life. The Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and the Border Security Force have been put on high alert. The Army has allotted 24 columns on standby and is ready to carry out any rescue and relief operations.
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