PremiumCyclone Biparjoy, which means "disaster" in Bengali language is expected to make landfall in India and Pakistan today, 15 June. Powerful winds, storm surges, and lashing rains were forecast to hammer a 325-kilometer stretch of coast between Mandvi in Gujarat and Karachi in Pakistan. According to India Meteorological Department, the powerful storm would hit the Indian port of Jakhau late evening today, warning of massive destruction, including the uprooting of power and communication poles, disruption of airlines, and damages to thatched houses. Wind speeds are predicted to reach 125-135 km/h, with gusts of up to 150 km/h, by the time it makes landfall.
Vice-Chief of Naval Staff Sanjay Jasjit Singh on the Indian Navy's preparedness for Cyclone Biparjoy said that ships, disaster response teams are ready. As per the government, 15 teams of NDRF (National Disaster Response Force), 12 of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), 115 teams of the state road and building department, and 397 of the state electricity department have been deployed in different coastal districts in Gujarat.
High tidal waves were seen on Gujarat's coasts as cyclone Biparjoy is expected to hit on Thursday evening. According to weather officials, cyclone Biparjoy would create tidal waves of 2 to 3 meters after making landfall in India.
Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka (Gujarat) has been closed today as cyclone Biparjoy is set to hit the coastal region of the state late in the evening. Besides, the Gujarat government has also shut down Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district due to the same reason. 5,035 in Devbhumi Dwarka have been shifted to temporary shelters and 1,605 in Gir Somnath district have been evacuated ahead of the cyclone's entry in India.
The powerful weather system is set to make landfall today in Gujarat, resulting in rough sea conditions already. Winds were already gusting at speeds up to 180 kilometres per hour (112 miles per hour) by Wednesday at coastal areas in Gujarat. The cyclone has the potential to cause significant damage.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the preparedness of the Armed Forces to tackle the storm. The minister spoke to all three Service Chiefs as cyclone Biparjoy approaches Gujarat's coastal areas. The Armed Forces are ready to provide every possible assistance to civil authorities in tackling any situation or contingency due to the cyclone, Singh tweeted.
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