AHMEDABAD, June 8: A severe cyclonic storm, accompanied by high velocity winds, is likely to hit parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra coast by Tuesday afternoon.The cyclonic storm, with winds of 100 to 120 kmph, lay centered at 60 nautical miles from Veraval, meteorological department sources said here today. Signal numbers 9 and 10 - indicating great danger - have been hoisted at all ports from Veraval to Dwarka, sources said. The State government has put the district administration of all coastal districts viz Jamnagar, Porbandar, Junagadh, Amreli and Bhavnagar on maximum alert and advised them to take immediate precautionary action and put the disaster management plan of the districts in operation. Ahmedabad district has also been put on alert.Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel today reviewed the situation and issued instructions to meet any eventuality in case the cyclone hits the coastal areas.With possibility of tidal waves leaping to two metres above the normal level, people in vulnerable coastalvillages have been advised to take shelter in high buildings. Fishermen have been advised against going out to sea.Emergency services including that of health, communication and police have been positioned at centrally located places to expedite relief operations. District collectors have been instructed to start emergency communication systems at taluka headquarters and coastal villages. The telecommunication department has been advised to install hotlines immediately.
