Cyclone Biparjoy: Location of impact, damages expected, preparations, timing of landfall and more
3 min read 13 Jun 2023, 05:11 PM ISTThe Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an ‘Orange’ alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch region in Gujarat on Tuesday and warned of extensive damage from Cyclone Biparjoy
PremiumCyclone Biparjoy is expected to make landfall in various regions of India and Pakistan by the end of this week. The administration of both countries is taking preventive measures to minimise the impact of severe cyclonic storms. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired review meetings to take stock of the preparations.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an ‘Orange’ alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch region in Gujarat on Tuesday and warned of extensive damage from Cyclone Biparjoy. "Its damaging potential could be extensive," IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.
Where Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall?
Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall between Mandvi in Gujarat and Karachi in Pakistan. The severe cyclonic storm will have the winds going up to the speed of 125-135 kmph, gusting to 150 kmph, the IMD said.
“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," Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, director general of the IMD said at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Landfall refers to the occurrence when the center of a cyclone, known as the eye, transitions from being over water to moving onto land. It is important to note that landfall does not necessarily indicate that the cyclone has completely reached or "hit" the land.
Places that will be affected by Cyclone Biparjoy
The reports said that 8 districts of Gujarat are expected to be impacted by Cyclone Biparjoy. The weather in the region is already turning dangerous and many trees were uprooted and walls collapsed. According to the weather department, Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar may receive extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) on 15 June while Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.
"Tidal waves reaching heights of up to six meters could inundate low-lying coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. Evacuation measures have been recommended, and authorities are taking prompt action," Mohapatra said.
What is the damage expected due to Cyclone Biparjoy?
Apart from the warning from the IMD chief, weather.com has reported that there will be extensive damage to Kutcha houses and some damage to Pucca houses. Moreover, the residents in the area must also remain alert from the flying objects. The power and communication poles are expected to be uprooted amid high-speed winds.
The farmers in the area must also brace for the damage to crops and plantations, orchards, falling of trees, etc.
Follow LIVE updates on Cyclone Biparjoy here
What are the preparations for Cyclone Biparjoy?
1. “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.
2. The administration has declared holidays in schools while the fishing operations in the area are also suspended.
3. Gujarat has deployed 21 teams of the National Disaster Response Force and 13 teams of the State Disaster Response Force for rescue operations.
4. The administration has evacuated people from the low-lying areas (up to 5 KM from the coast) and is ready to evacuate more if the need arises.