1.Gujarat Braces for Cyclone Vayu, 2.15 Lakh People Evacuated
The Gujarat government undertook a massive evacuation drive on Wednesday, 12 June, across 10 districts as “very severe” cyclonic storm Vayu inched closer to the Gujarat coast and is expected to make landfall between Dwarka and Veraval by Thursday afternoon (13 June).
Army columns, NDRF personnel, IAF helicopters and 300 marine commandos were deployed for rescue and relief operations, while flight operations from five airports were suspended.
Around three lakh people were being shifted to safer places from Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Devbhoomi-Dwarka, Porbandar, Rajkot, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Gir-Somnath districts, which are expected to bear the brunt of the cyclone, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani said after a review meeting with officials on Wednesday.
As a precautionary measure, holiday has been declared for schools, colleges and anganwadis on 12-13 June in these 10 districts.
(Source: Indian Express)
2. Cyclone Vayu: All Flights to Coastal Districts Suspended
With Cyclone Vayu intensifying its speed to coastal regions of Gujarat, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has suspended flights from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International (SVPI) airport to Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Mundra and Bhavnagar. However, AAI has clarified that no other operations from Ahmedabad have been affected as yet.
Following strong winds, two flights to Mumbai – Air India Delhi-Mumbai and an international flight from Kuala Lumpur to Mumbai were diverted on Wednesday, 12 June.
A statement from AAI said, "Flight operations from Ahmedabad to Porbandar, Diu, Kandla, Mundra and Bhavnagar have been cancelled for 13 June. All other scheduled flights are likely to operate normally. However, passengers are requested to check with the concerned airlines for updated information."
(Source: DNA)
3. Four Deaths Reported in Gujarat, Ahead of Cyclone Vayu Landfall in State
As Cyclone Vayu is likely to hit Gujarat coast early Thursday morning (13 June), the South Gujarat region started witnessing high-speed winds, lightning and rain Tuesday (11 June) onward, in which at least four persons were killed in accidents caused by rainfall. Four deaths were reported from Tapi and Dangs district as rooftops of many kutcha houses in these districts also flew away.
According to Tapi district disaster management officials, as an effect of Cyclone Vayu, the South Gujarat region has been witnessing high-speed winds and rain for the past couple of days. The deaths were a result of accidents caused by tree felling and lightning.
The first incident of death was reported from Khusalpura village of Vyara taluka in Tapi district when Nuriben Gamit (65) was struck by lightning while he was working in the fields. Nuriben died on the spot.
(Source: Indian Express)
4. Cyclone Vayu: Biz Firms, NGOs Lend a Helping Hand
In a unique initiative, different business and voluntary associations have taken upon themselves to ensure that relief measure is carried out smoothly in any eventuality in Junagadh, which is likely to face the wrath of Cyclone 'Vayu'.
Local sources said that while the winds are normal so far, the sea is choppy and waves are rising along the coast.
Junagadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry is coordinating relief activity under the direction of district administration to ensure relief material and manpower are available in adequate quantity and on time. Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and chamber of commerce and industry from Rajkot, Vadodara and Surat have also chipped in.
(Source: DNA)
5. Gujarat High Court Seeks State's Reply on MLA's Disqualification
The Gujarat High Court on Wednesday, 12 June, sought a reply from officials of the State Tribal Development Department, Election Commission (EC), BJP leader Vikramsinh Dindor, and officials of the revenue department in Panchmahals, after a petition filed by former independent MLA from Morva Hadaf, Bhupendrasinh Khant, came up for hearing.
Khant has challenged his disqualification from the state assembly over 'fake' caste certificate on the basis of an order of the governor dated 2 May. The division bench of Justice RM Chhaya and Justice BN Karia issued notice to the authorities directing them to file their reply in the matter by 15 July.
The former MLA has contended that he was disqualified by the governor on the basis of an order dated 20 February 2018, of the chairman of the analysis committee and commissioner, tribal development, wherein scheduled caste certificate granted to the petitioner was declared invalid.
(Source: DNA)
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