The first severe cyclone of the year, Biparjoy, is set to hit the Gujarat coast later this week, with officials suspending fishing activity, mobilising rescue workers, and issuing evacuation plans for people at danger. Cyclone Biparjoy is threatening the Gujarat coast from the Arabian Sea. It is expected to make landfall on Thursday with maximum wind speeds of up to 150 kmph.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an Orange alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat on Tuesday, as Biparjoy is expected to reach the Jakhau Port in Gujarat as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) on the evening of June 15.
Biparjoy, which began as a Low Pressure Area only a week ago, quickly grew into a powerful Severe Cyclonic Storm. Surprisingly, it has become one of India's most persistent cyclones in recent decades. Biparjoy's extended stay over the sea has allowed it to amass tremendous energy and moisture, increasing its intensity. As a result, there is an enhanced potential of catastrophic impacts and damaging consequences upon landfall, according to weather.com.
Where Will Cyclone Biparjoy Hit?
Biparjoy, a very severe cyclonic storm, is projected to reach landfall between Mandvi in Gujarat and Karachi in Pakistan on Thursday evening with maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph, according to the IMD.
Speaking with media, Director general of the IMD Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated: “On June 15, wind speed in Dwarka, Jamnagar, Kutch and Morbi districts of Gujarat will be around 125-135 kmph and gusting to 150 kmph, it could have extensive damaging potential."
Mohapatra noted that the wind speed is increasing in Porbandar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Kutch districts, reaching 65-75 kmph on Wednesday.
Which Places Likely To Be Affected?
High waves in the Arabian Sea, followed by heavy rain and strong winds, hammered Gujarat's coastal areas, toppling trees and resulting in a wall collapse that killed three people in the state's Kutch and Rajkot districts, authorities said. The state administration expects eight districts along the Gujarat coast to be impacted.
On June 15, the storm might dump up to 20 cm of rain in isolated areas of Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is possible in Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh.
Winds of up to 145 km/h are expected to pummelled these areas.
"Tidal waves reaching heights of up to six metres could inundate low-lying coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. Evacuation measures have been recommended, and authorities are taking prompt action," Mohapatra said.
Preperations For Cyclone Biparjoy?
Thousands of people were evacuated from low-lying areas, including those living within 5 km of the shore in Gujarat. Those within 10 km of the shore may be relocated during the next two days if necessary, authorities added.
“We have shifted 20,580 people from Gujarat’s coastal districts and moved them to relief camps where they will be provided with food, drinking water and other essential material," said CC Patel, director of relief in the Gujarat state government.
Fishing operations in the affected areas have been halted until Friday, and schools have been closed.
According to the Gujarat government, 21 National Disaster Response Force teams and 13 State Disaster Response Force teams have been dispatched in the state to assist in rescue efforts.
According to Shelf Drilling's website, the Indian Coast Guard evacuated 50 people from Key Singapore, a jack-up oil rig off Gujarat's coast owned by Dubai-based Shelf Drilling and now operating for Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd.).
Indian Army Preperations For Cyclone Biparjoy
In keeping with its solid determination to alleviate the suffering of the public during times of natural catastrophe, the Indian Army prepared to assist the locals following the arrival of the powerful cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat.
The flood relief columns have been practised and kept ready at Bhuj, Jamnagar, Gandhidham, Dharangdhra, Vadodara, and Gandhinagar, as well as in advance sites like as Naliya, Dwarka, and Amreli.
The Army authorities have also prepared relief efforts in collaboration with civil administration and the NDRF. The interaction has provided a venue for all entities involved in disaster management to share best practises and learn from one another.
Representatives of the Indian Army also attended the meeting presided over by the CM and assured complete cooperation during the situation.
Resources have also been made available from nearby Rajasthan to guarantee that any losses caused by strong winds and heavy rainfall be minimised.