Cyclone Biparjoy: 940 Gujarat villages without power, widespread damage

940 villages across Gujarat are without power as Cyclone Biparjoy hit the state's coastal area with strong winds and heavy rains.

According to the Relief Commissioner of Gujarat, Alok Pandey, no loss of life has been reported but 22 people have been injured. He added that 23 cattle have died. Over 500 trees have been uprooted and electric poles have fallen at various places.

Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau as a very severe cyclonic storm around 6.30 pm on Thursday with wind speeds of 115 to 125 kmph gusting upto 140 kmph.

A relief and rescue operation was underway with multiple teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed in the affected districts, while and Armed Forces were on standby for any emergency situation, officials said.