Cyclone Tauktae: 21 ports in Gujarat suspends operations

Citing the threat of Cyclone Tauktae, 21 ports in Gujarat have completely suspended operations, including the major port of Kandla and the private port of Mundra.

While five of the ports, which are situated on the cyclone's path, hoisted signal number 10, indicating “great danger”, about 28 vessels docked at the ports were asked to leave. All activities were suspended at ports with warning signals of eight, nine, and 10.

Avantika Singh, CEO of Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB), told the media that signal number 10 is at five ports of Veraval, Pipavav, Victor, Diu, and Jafrabad. This signal means great danger, and the cyclone is expected to move over or close to the ports. Similarly, signal nine indicating severe weather is at Bharuch, Alang, Bhavnagar, Magdalla, Daman, and Dahej.

Most of the port area has been evacuated, leaving only essential staff and security personnel on the ground. Signal number eight has also been hoisted at Porbandar, Okha, Sikka, Bedi, Navlakhi, new Kandla, Mandvi, and Jakhau ports.

Singh said 28 ports were berthed at the ports in Gujarat. All of them have been asked to shift to high seas where they would be safer. Right now, there are no vessels at the ports. Vessel Tracking and Monitoring System (VTMS) is constantly in touch with the vessels, and all the control rooms at the ports are active, added Singh.

Apart from this, 60-odd vessels beached at the Alang ship-breaking yard have been secured. As many as 500 workers at the shipbreaking yard have been shifted to the GMB labour colony.

The only major port in Gujarat, Kandla, hoisted warning signal number eight. The Deendayal Port Trust (DPT), which handles operations at Kandla, has evacuated all workforce from the port area. Hanging and high-rise structures such as marine unloading arms would be fastened properly or removed.

Mundra port, owned by Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ), hoisted signal number eight and suspended all port operations on Monday.

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