Gujarat coast on alert: IMD warns fishermen of rough seas; LC-III hoisted at all ports

Kutch: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along the Gujarat coast during the next 24 hours as squally weather and strong winds are expected amid vigorous monsoon conditions.

According to the IMD’s fishermen warning issued at 5.30 am on September 16, winds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are likely along and off both the North and South Gujarat coasts on September 16. The sea is expected to remain very rough, particularly along the North Gujarat coast.

The warning for the North Gujarat coast covers Jakhau, Mandvi, Mundra, New Kandla, Navlakhi, Salaya, Okha, Bedi, Sikka, Porbandar and other coastal ports. Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea amid the squally weather.

Similar wind conditions are expected along and off the South Gujarat coast, including Muldwarka, Veraval, Diu, Jafrabad, Pipavav, Bhavnagar, Alang, Bharuch, Dahej, Magdalla and Daman. Fishermen in these areas have also been advised to exercise caution and avoid venturing into the sea.

The IMD said the low-pressure area over southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Kutch had moved over southeast Pakistan and neighbourhood by 2.30 pm on September 15. Its associated cyclonic circulation extends up to 7.6 km above mean sea level and tilts southward with height.

Over the open sea, squally winds of 35–45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph, are expected over the northeast Arabian Sea on September 16 and 17. Stronger winds of 45–55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are likely along and off the north Somalia coast and over parts of the southwest Arabian Sea and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea through September 19.

The Local Cautionary Signal (LC-III) has been kept hoisted at all ports along Gujarat’s North and South coasts. DeshGujarat