Gandhinagar, Jun 3 (IANS): Cyclonic storm 'Nisarg' is likely to hit the state on or after June 3 with winds expected to gush up to 100-110 km per hour.

The Gujarat Relief Commissioner said on Tuesday that the state is ready to tackle the cyclone with zero casualty aim. The administration has initiated action for shifting around 80,000 people to safer places in southern Gujarat.

Speaking to the media, Harshad Patel, Gujarati Relief Commissioner, said, "Nisarg is likely to hit northern Maharashtra and southern Gujarat after June 3. Stormy winds with speed up to 100-110 km/ph are expected. The depression is 670 km away from Surat. The state administration has prepared shelters for the people living in the coastal areas of Surat, Navsari, Valsad and Bharuch."

"Approximately 68,971 people living in the low lying areas of these four districts will be evacuated. Till now, 1,727 people have been shifted. Thirteen National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and six State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams have been deployed. Within the coming 24 hours, the depression is expected to intensify into a cyclonic form," added Patel.

"Following this meteorological development, many districts in Gujarat have witnessed rainfall in the past 24 hours," Patel added.

According to the latest IMD bulletin, it is predicted that the cyclone might not make a landfall in the state, but it is likely to have an impact in certain parts of Saurashtra and south Gujarat.

According to sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephonic conversation with Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani regarding the state's preparedness for the cyclonic storm, and expressed his satisfaction regarding the steps been taken by the state government. The PM also assured all possible help from the Central government.