NEW DELHI, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review preparedness for Cyclone Biparjoy, which has intensified near the western coastal areas.
Modi advised local authorities to take every possible measure to ensure that people living in vulnerable locations are safely evacuated, and ensure maintenance of all essential services with preparedness for immediate restoration in the event of damages, said an official statement.
The cyclone is expected to cross Saurashtra and Kutch areas of the western state of Gujarat by Thursday with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 km per hour (kph) to 145 kph, with likely heavy rainfall in the coastal districts of Gujarat, said India Meteorological Department officials.
The Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy have deployed ships and helicopters for relief, search and rescue operations. The Indian Air Force and the Engineer Task Force units of the Army, with boats and rescue equipment, are on standby for deployment.
