In anticipation of the powerful cyclone 'Biparjoy' nearing the Gujarat coast, authorities have successfully relocated approximately 50,000 individuals from the coastal areas to temporary shelters. Heavy rains accompanied by strong winds have already hit parts of the Saurashtra-Kutch region.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has reported that 'Biparjoy' is expected to alter its path on Wednesday and move northeastwards towards Kutch and Saurashtra. The cyclone is predicted to make landfall on Thursday evening near Jakhau Port.
The IMD has issued predictions regarding the cyclone's trajectory. According to the IMD, as of 8:30 am, June 14, the cyclone was moving slowly northwards at a speed of 3 kmph. It was centred approximately 280 km west-southwest of Jakhau Port (Gujarat), 290 km west-southwest of Devbhumi Dwarka, 300 km west-southwest of Naliya, 350 km west-northwest of Porbandar, and 340 km south-southwest of Karachi (Pakistan).
The Met department has projected that wind speeds will reach 65-75 kmph, gusting to 85 kmph, along and off the coasts in the districts of Porbandar and Devbhoomi Dwarka from Wednesday forenoon. Wind speeds are expected to gradually increase to 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph, on Thursday along and off the districts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi.
During the time of landfall, a storm surge of about 2-3 meters above the astronomical tide is expected to inundate low-lying areas of the affected districts. Tides could reach up to 3-6 meters in different locations, as stated by the Met department.
As Biparjoy draws nearer to the Gujarat coast, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the potentially affected regions. The government continues to closely monitor the situation and remains committed to providing necessary assistance during this challenging time.
Timeline Of Cyclone Biparjoy
June 4: A storm emerged, late in the night, from the Arabian Sea between Kerala and the Gulf countries, with an initial speed of only 30 kilometres per hour.
June 5: The storm's speed increased to 45 km/h in the morning and rose to 75 km/h by night, moving in an upward direction.
June 6: The speed of the storm further increased to a range of 90-100 km/h.
June 7: The storm continued to intensify, reaching a speed of 130 km/h.
June 8: The storm's velocity grew to a maximum speed of 150 km/h.
June 9: The speed slightly decreased, settling at around 120 km/h.
June 10: The storm's maximum speed escalated to 195 km/h.
June 11: The storm maintained its maximum speed of 195 km/h.
June 12: The velocity of the storm subsided to 155 km/h.
June 13: The speed picked up again, reaching 165 km/h. At this point, the storm began searching for landfall.