Cyclone Phet may hit Gujarat during weekend
By IANSThursday, June 3, 2010
GANDHINAGAR - The severe cyclonic storm Phet, which has claimed seven lives, has altered course but may again hit Gujarat’s coast around the weekend, the weather office said Thursday.
The storm is moving towards Oman but is expected to turn back towards the Gujarat-Karachi coast, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Phet is now centred about 1,400 km west of Mumbai and 1,100 km southwest of Kutch in Gujarat.
The impending cyclone is expected to trigger heavy rains over Saurashtra and Kutch regions over the next two days. Squally winds with speed reaching 40-50 kmph would also hit the Gujarat coast.
Since the sea will be choppy, fishermen have been advised not to venture into the waters.
About 10,000 people have been evacuated from the coastal areas of Gujarat, including Kandla port, an official spokesperson said.
Seven people have so far lost their lives due to the turbulence generated by the incoming storm.
The deaths occurred in Rajkot, Surendranagar, Jamnagar and Mehsana districts, caused due to lightning strikes or wall collapses.
