Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 19 June said that due to Cyclone Biparjoy, railway track were breached at five places in Rajasthan. He, however, added that railways took timely action and also diverted passenger trains.
"Work is going at war footing to restore the tracks, he said.
As per the latest IMD update, “the Depression (Remnant of Cyclonic Storm ‘Biparjoy’) over central parts of South Rajasthan & neighbourhood at 0530 IST of 18th June, about 40 km ESE of Jodhpur. Very likely to continue to move ENE-wards and maintain the intensity of Depression during next 12 hours.”
Meanwhile, heavy rain accompanied by winds lashed parts of Rajasthan's Barmer district under the influence of cyclonic storm Biparjoy on Sunday. Severe waterlogging and a flood-like situation was also at various places. Meanwhile, Jalore also witnessed strong winds and rain. As per IMD predictions, heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely over southwest Rajasthan on 18 June; in southeast Rajasthan during 17-19 June.
IMD Director General Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on Saturday said that it is raining only in Gujarat and Rajasthan due to the cyclone.
While speaking to ANI, Dr Mohapatra said, “Cyclone Biparjoy weakened into a deep depression. It is moving in the East-North East direction. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is very likely at one or two places over South Rajasthan and adjoining areas of North Gujarat. Due to the cyclone, it is raining only in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Monsoon has nothing to do with this cyclone.”
The cyclone, which originated in the Arabian Sea and swept across the west coast of India made landfall on Thursday night around 10 km north of the Jakhau Port in Kutch, as per IMD reports.
During Amit Shah's visit in Gujarat yesterday, he said “nobody died due to cyclone Biparjoy which made landfall with wind speed of 140 kmph…Only 47 people injured during cyclone and 234 cattle died.”
(With inputs from agencies)
