In less than a fortnight after cyclone Hudhud struck the eastern coast, another very severe cyclone Nilofar is expected to hit the western coast of Gujarat around Naliya on the morning of October 31.
As per the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm prevailing over west central Arabian Sea is expected to hit at a maximum speed of 125 kilometre per hour (kmph) at the time of landfall.From the morning of October 30, squally winds at a speed of 45-55 kmph gusting to 65 kmph would commence along and off Gujarat coast which would become 100-110 kmph reaching its maximum at the time of landfall. However, as the system would come closer to Gujarat coast, it would weaken and cross the coast as a severe cyclonic storm.
The sea condition along and off Gujarat coast will be rough to very rough from 30th October morning and would become very high from afternoon of 30th October.IMD has predicted extensive damage to thatched roofs and huts.There may also be damage to power and communication lines due to uprooting of large avenue trees and flooding of escape routes.
It has issued warnings for total suspension of fishing operations. The fishermen out at sea along and off Gujarat coast should return back. Coastal hutment dwellers should be moved to safer places and those in affected areas must remain indoors around the time of landfall.The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), held an emergency meeting in the wake of the situation. Headed by Cabinet Secretary Ajit Seth, it reviewed the precautionary relief and rescue measures in the coastal districts of Gujarat.
In a video conference with the Gujarat Chief Secretary, Seth took stock of the various steps taken to meet any challenge arising out of the cyclone.The NCMC also reviewed the preparedness with the concerned Central Ministries and Departments and representatives of the State government present at the meeting.