Gujarat Meteorological Department director Manoroma Mohanty on Thursday said Cyclone Nilofar, which is expected to make its landfall on the Indian coast later in the day, is weakening in its intensity, and will soon form a depression.
"Cyclone Nilofar is currently located at the central Arabian Sea. By the time it reaches the coast of Gujarat, it will weaken in intensity and will form a depression. Thus, the damage it causes is expected to be less," Mohanty told ANI.
"Due to the storm, there will be rainfall along the coastal regions of Saurashtra, Kutch and North Gujarat, while some areas might experience heavy showers," she added.
Meanwhile, a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team reached Porbandar to tackle any incidents pertaining to the impending cyclone.
"We have a total 36 rescuers and our equipment include boats, podiums and cutting equipment for the loss incurred due to falling of trees during cyclone. In cases of buildings collapsing, we also have lifting equipment to remove debris and searching equipment to look for those stuck. In addition, we also have first aid and a ladies team," said NDRF Inspector Sanjay Kumar.
Cyclone Nilofar has now weakened into a severe cyclonic storm ahead of its expected landfall on Thursday night at the northern Gujarat coast and adjoining Pakistani coast region.
Pakistani authorities have also advised fishermen in the Sindh and Balochistan regions of that country to not venture out to sea from Wednesday to Friday, while those who were already there, have been advised to return to land.
