Alert Issued In Gujarat As ‘Extremely Severe’ Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ Near Coast: IMD Report

Cyclone Biparjoy will likely hit south-southwest Gujarat and adjoining Pakistan coasts as the severe cyclonic storm has intensified into an “extremely severe cyclonic storm.”

An alert has been sounded along and off the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts. However,  the exact place where the cyclone will make landfall will become clear in the coming days.

IMD report on Biparjoy

Amidst the cyclonic disturbance, sea conditions along and off Saurashtra and Kutch coasts will likely remain “rough to very rough” till Wednesday, and very rough to high on Thursday, according to India Meteorological Department (IMD). High tidal waves and rainfall were also witnessed in Mumbai as Biparjoy intensified into a severe cyclonic storm.

Moreover, the IMD  has advised total suspension of fishing operations in the region till June 15 and has asked fishermen not to venture into the central Arabian Sea, north Arabian Sea during June 12-15, and along and off Saurashtra-Kutch coasts till June 15. Also, the weather agency advised those out at sea to return to the coast and regulate offshore and onshore activities judiciously.

IMD also stated, ” In view of the above, the state governments are advised to keep a close watch, monitor the situation in their areas regularly and take appropriate precautionary measures. District authorities are advised accordingly.”

On Sunday, around 4.30 PM Biparjoy over the east-central Arabian Sea moved northeastward with a speed of 8 kmph.

The weather agency said that it lies centred about 550 km west of Mumbai, 450 km south-southwest of Porbandar, 490 km south-southwest of Dwarka and 570 km south-southwest of Naliya in Kutch and 750 km south of Karachi in Pakistan.

“It is very likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by noon on June 15 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph,” the IMD added.

A cyclone moving over the land after its intensification in the ocean is said to make landfall when the centre of the storm (eye) moves across the coast.

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Cities Prone to destruction amid Biparjoy

Several districts of Gujarat, including Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh, and Rajkot, may face damages on June 15.

It is expected destruction includes the demolition of thatched and kutcha houses, damage to pucca houses, uprooting of power and communication poles, and potential threats from flying objects.

Further, transportation systems may be disrupted; and extensive damage to crops, plantations, and orchards is expected. The visibility in these areas will be severely impacted, and small boats and crafts may be at risk.

The Gujarat government is deploying NDRF and SDRF teams in coastal areas and will set up shelters in six districts before the extremely severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy makes landfall on the state coast.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has delegated the task of advance planning and disaster management to senior ministers of the state cabinet. These ministers will provide guidance and support to the district systems.