India Meteorological Department has said Cyclone Vayu has changed its course and may not hit the Gujarat coast but it will pass through coastal areas of Porbandar, Dwaraka and Gir Somnath.

IMD official said Cyclonic Storm Vayu will skirt along Saurashtra Coast today afternoon with a wind speed 135-160 kmph. Coastal districts, Gir Somnath, Junagarh, Porbandar, Dwarka and Diu will witness the strong wind, storms and rainfall till tomorrow.

However, Gujarat State Additional Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar has said that the government’s ness for cyclone Vayu will continue with the same intensity. He has asked persons shifted to shelter homes to stay there.

Meanwhile, many parts of the state are witnessing rains since morning. More than 108 tehsils in 28 districts received rainfall up to 2 inches in last 24 hours.

Additional Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar told media that despite the change in course of the cyclone, there are risks of a heavy storm, rainfall in the Saurashtra coastal region.

The administration, as well as relief agencies, are on high to minimize the casualty and loss of property due to the cyclone. He added that no casualties have been recorded due to Cyclone Vayu till now.

Flight and train service in the affected areas will remain closed until midnight. Meanwhile, strong winds are blowing in several parts of the state.

Rainfall occurred in many parts of Saurashtra, North Gujarat and South Gujarat in the morning. Sea near Saurashtra coast especially near Dwarka and Somanth is getting rough since morning which is leading to high storms.

About 3 lakh people including 10 thousand tourists have been evacuated from low lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch while over 10,000 people have been evacuated from Diu local administration.