Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah held a meeting through VC to review the preparedness for Cyclone "Biparjoy". Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Shri Mansukh Mandaviya and Shri ParshottamRupala, several Ministers of Government of Gujarat, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary and District Magistrates virtually participated in the meeting. Union Home Secretary, Director General of India Meteorological Department (IMD), Member Secretary, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and senior officers of Ministry of Home Affairs were also present in the meeting.

The Director General, IMD briefed the Union Home Minister about the current status of extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ over eastcentral Arabian Sea. He said that it is very likely to move nearly northward till 14th morning, then move  north-northeastwards and cross Saurashtra & Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by noon of 15th June as a very severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.

The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel apprisedthe Union Home Minister about the preparedness and measures being taken by the local administration to protect the population residing in the expected path of the cyclonic storm. He said that fishermen have been advised not to venture out into the sea and those at sea have been called back to safe berth. A total of 21,595 boats, 27 ships and 24 large ships have been parked so far. A list of sensitive villages has been prepared for the purpose of evacuation. Shri Patel informed that 450 hospitals have been identified in the areas likely to be affected by the storm and the supply of essential medicines has been ensured. Adequate shelters have also been arranged and 597 teams have been deployed to ensure power supply. 18 teams of NDRF and 12 teams of SDRF have also been deployed.

Union Home Minister said that our aim is to ensure 'Zero Casualty' and minimize the possible damage caused by the cyclonic storm "Biparjoy". He said that there is a need to act swiftly on the important directions given by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during a review meeting chaired by him on June 12.

Shri Amit Shah said that the Centre has deployed adequate number of NDRF teams for relief and rescue operations. Along with this, units and assets of Army, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard have been deployed for help as per requirements. He said Ministry of Home Affairs and State Government control room is monitoring the situation round the clock and all the agencies Government of India are prepared to deal with any emergency situation. Shri Shah has assured all possible help to the government of Gujarat.

Union Home Minister asked theGovernment of Gujarat to make arrangements to move people living in sensitive places to safer places and ensure all necessary services like electricity, telecommunication, health, drinking water. He said that our preparedness should be such that in case of any damage, these services can be restored immediately. Shri Shah directed to ensure mobile and landline connectivity and alternate arrangements for electricity in all hospitals. Home Minister also said that the storm is expected to bring 8-10 inches of rain, which may cause flood in Kutch and Saurashtra. He stressed upon the need to review the necessary preparations to deal with it. Shri Shah also asked to make all necessary arrangements around Somnath and Dwarka temple. He said that as per the directions given by the Prime Minister, the safety of animals and trees in Gir forest should also be ensured.

Shri Amit Shah askedMPs and MLAs of Gujarat to make people aware about the threat of the cyclone in their respective areas and help them.

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RK/AY/AS