A powerful cyclonic storm, nicknamed ‘Biparjoy’, ripped through the coastal districts of Western Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday, causing widespread destruction including flattening of phone lines.
Roofs were blown off houses and trees and electric poles were uprooted in several parts of the state, as the severe cyclone made landfall overnight.
Local media reports, citing officials, said heavy rain, coupled with gusty winds, brought down over 500 trees and electric poles at various places in Gujarat, snapping power supply to nearly 900 homes.
A cattle rearer and his son died while trying to save their goats stuck in Bhavnagar.
Around 99 trains originating or terminating in Gujarat will remain cancelled or short-terminated. 22 people got injured and as many as 23 animals died.
In Gujarat’s Jamnagar, commercial flight operations will remain suspended on Friday also, as the airport had issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) for three days — Wednesday-Friday.
Officials said the cyclone was reduced from a very severe cyclonic storm to a severe cyclonic storm after making landfall in Gujarat’s coastal areas on Thursday night.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the cyclone has now moved from sea to land and is centred towards Sauarashtra-Kutch, adding that heavy rains are expected in the adjoining state of Rajasthan on Friday.
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