Indian Coast Guard Evacuates Oil Rig Ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy

An oil rig off the coast of Okha, in the Indian state of Gujarat, was evacuated on Tuesday, June 13, as Cyclone Biparjoy barreled toward the region, the Indian Coast Guard said.

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) called for a “total suspension” of fishing activity along the coast of Gujarat and asked those at sea to return to land. The cyclone was expected to cause major damage to homes, roads, and crops in the area, the IMD said. Disruption to railway service and destruction of power lines were also expected, according to the department.

Biparjoy, which was packing sustained winds of over 90 mph, would affect the region through Thursday, the IMD said.

Meanwhile, on Pakistan’s western coast, around 90,000 people were expected to be evacuated, the Pakistan Army said. Credit: Indian Coast Guard via Storyful

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