Cyclone Biporjoy Arabian Sea: What You Need to Know About the Longest Storm in the Arabian Sea

Cyclone Biporjoy Arabian Sea is a severe cyclonic storm that has been churning over the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, setting a record for the longest lifespan of a cyclone in this region. It has caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves in several parts of India and Pakistan, killing at least two people and injuring 23 others. It has also affected the power supply, transport, agriculture, and wildlife in the affected areas. The storm is expected to weaken gradually and dissipate by Saturday evening.

In this article, we will provide you with the latest news and updates on Cyclone Biporjoy, its impact, its forecast, and its safety tips.

What is Cyclone Biporjoy?

Cyclone Biporjoy is a severe cyclonic storm that formed over the Arabian Sea on June 11. It is the second cyclone to hit the west coast of India this year, after Cyclone Tauktae in May. The name is Biporjoy was given by Bangladesh and means ‘happiness’ in Bengali.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Biporjoy has intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 130-140 kmph gusting to 155 kmph as of June 13. It is moving north-northwestwards towards Gujarat and is likely to cross the coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Jakhau during the early morning hours of June 15 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Saurashtra and Kutch on June 14 and 15. It has also forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over Junagarh and Gir Somnath districts on June 14. The rainfall activity is likely to decrease gradually from June 16 onwards.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Gujarat coast till June 16 as the sea condition will be very rough to high. It has also advised people in coastal areas to remain indoors and follow the instructions issued by local authorities.

What is the impact of Cyclone Biporjoy?

Cyclone Biporjoy has already started impacting normal life in several parts of Gujarat and Kerala before its landfall. Three people, including two children, were killed as the region began to feel the effects of the storm. Several trees were also uprooted due to fierce winds. A wall of Indureshwar Mahadev temple in Porbandar also collapsed amid the constant slamming of waves, while several parts of Veraval town were under knee-deep waters due to the rainfall.

The Gujarat government said it deployed 184 rapid action squads to rescue wild animals and clear fallen trees in Gir National Park, home to nearly 700 Asiatic lions. The storm also threw some shipping containers into the sea at the Mundra port, one of India’s largest.

About 100,000 people who were evacuated in western India have been temporarily relocated to relief camps, authorities said. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has deployed 53 teams in Gujarat and Diu for rescue and relief operations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has also kept 16 transport aircraft and 18 helicopters on standby for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has chaired a meeting to review the preparedness for cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ with the disaster management ministers of states and Union Territories. He has assured all possible help from the central government and urged the states to ensure the timely evacuation of people from vulnerable areas.

In Pakistan, more than 80,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas of Sindh province, where heavy rains and gusty winds have been reported. The cyclone is expected to cause flash floods in some parts of the province that were hit by devastating floods last year. People in that region lined up to receive food donated by charities, aid agencies, and local authorities.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Cyclone Biporjoy is likely to weaken further into a depression by Saturday evening. It said Karachi may receive light rain with gusty winds on Saturday night.

What is the forecast of Cyclone Biporjoy?

According to IMD, Cyclone Biporjoy is likely to maintain its intensity till June 14 evening and weaken gradually thereafter. It is expected to cross the Gujarat coast between Porbandar and Mahuva around Jakhau during the early morning hours of June 15 as a very severe cyclonic storm with a wind speed of 120-130 kmph gusting to 145 kmph.

The IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Saurashtra and Kutch on June 14 and 15. It has also forecast extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places over Junagarh and Gir Somnath districts on June 14. The rainfall activity is likely to decrease gradually from June 16 onwards.

The IMD has also advised fishermen not to venture into the sea along and off the Gujarat coast till June 16 as the sea condition will be very rough to high. It has also advised people in coastal areas to remain indoors and follow the instructions issued by local authorities.

The PMD said Cyclone Biporjoy is likely to weaken further into a depression by Saturday evening. It said Karachi may receive light rain with gusty winds on Saturday night.

What are some safety tips for cyclones?

Cyclones are natural disasters that can cause severe damage to life and property. Here are some safety tips to follow before, during, and after a cyclone:

Before a cyclone:

• Keep yourself updated with the latest weather information and warnings from IMD or PMD or local authorities.
• Prepare an emergency kit with essential items such as food, water, medicines, flashlight, radio, batteries, etc.
• Secure your house by closing doors and windows, removing loose objects, trimming branches, etc.
• Identify a safe shelter or evacuation center in your area and know how to reach there.
• Keep your mobile phone charged and carry important documents and valuables with you.

During a cyclone:

• Stay indoors and do not venture out unless instructed by authorities.
• Avoid low-lying areas, coastal areas, river banks, etc. that may be prone to flooding or storm surge.
• Stay away from windows, doors, glass panes, etc. that may break due to strong winds or flying debris.
• Switch off electrical appliances and gas supply to avoid fire hazards.
• Listen to the radio or TV for updates and follow the instructions issued by authorities.

After a cyclone:

• Do not go out until the situation is declared safe by authorities.
• Beware of fallen power lines, damaged buildings, flooded roads, etc. that may pose risks.
• Check for injuries and provide first aid to yourself or others if needed.
• Contact your family and friends and inform them about your safety.
• Report any damage or casualties to authorities and seek help if required.

Conclusion

Cyclone Biporjoy is a severe cyclonic storm that has been churning over the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, setting a record for the longest lifespan of a cyclone in this region. It has caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves in several parts of India and Pakistan, killing at least two people and injuring 23 others. It has also affected the power supply, transport, agriculture, and wildlife in the affected areas. The storm is expected to weaken gradually and dissipate by Saturday evening.

In this article, we have provided you with the latest news and updates on Cyclone Biporjoy, its impact, its forecast, and its safety tips. We hope you found this article informative and useful. Please share it with your friends and family to spread awareness and stay safe. Thank you for reading!

Source: Conversation with Bing, 19/06/2023
(1) Cyclone Biporjoy has spoilt monsoon distribution and circulation pattern: Skymet. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/expert-view/cyclone-biporjoy-has-spoilt-monsoon-distribution-and-circulation-pattern-skymet/articleshow/101100994.cms.
(2) Biporjoy Cyclone Update: Biporjoy left traces of destruction in Gandhidham, water-filled all around. https://www.msn.com/en-in/video/watch/biporjoy-cyclone-update-biporjoy-left-traces-of-destruction-in-gandhidham-water-filled-all-around/vi-AA1cDzJW.
(3) Cyclone Biporjoy Update: Heavy rains will occur in Rajasthan due to the cyclone, and trains canceled. https://www.msn.com/en-in/video/other/cyclone-biporjoy-update-heavy-rains-will-occur-in-rajasthan-due-to-cyclone-trains-canceled/ar-AA1cH5O4.
(4) Cyclone Biparjoy – live: Two dead and nearly 1000 villages without …. https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/biparjoy-cyclone-live-tracking-map-satellite-view-b2358687.html.
(5) Cyclone Biparjoy weakens as it churns toward Pakistan after … – ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/cyclone-biparjoy-kills-2-uproots-power-lines-after-100134327.