Cyclone Biporjoy is a severe cyclonic storm that is expected to make landfall near Jakhau in Gujarat on June 15. It has already caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves in several parts of Gujarat and Kerala. Three people, including two children, were killed as the region began to feel the effects of the storm. The Indian Coast Guard ships are patrolling off the coast of Gujarat and over 12,000 people have been identified for evacuation in Kutch and Dwarka. The cyclone may also affect the advancement of the monsoon across the country. 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.
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.
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.
Heavy Rainfall
The IMD has issued a red alert for heavy to very heavy rainfall in some districts of Gujarat on June 14 and 15. These include Amreli, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Kutch, Porbandar, Gir-Somnath, and Jamnagar.
Also warned of storm surge of about 2-3 meters above astronomical tide to inundate coastal areas of Morbi, Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts and 1-2 meters along Porbandar, Junagarh, Gir Somnath, Amreli, Bhavnagar and Anand districts at the time of landfall.
The cyclone may also affect the advancement of the monsoon across the country. According to IMD, the cyclone has created a low-pressure area over east-central India and adjoining Bangladesh, which is likely to delay the onset of monsoon over north India. The monsoon has already been delayed by a week over Kerala and is yet to cover most parts of south and central India.
People Evacuation
The Indian Coast Guard ships are patrolling off the coast of Gujarat and over 12,000 people have been identified for evacuation in Kutch and Dwarka. 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.
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.
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 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 is expected to make landfall near Jakhau in Gujarat on June 15. It has already caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and high waves in several parts of Gujarat and Kerala. Three people, including two children, were killed as the region began to feel the effects of the storm. The Indian Coast Guard ships are patrolling off the coast of Gujarat and over 12,000 people have been identified for evacuation in Kutch and Dwarka. The cyclone may also affect the advancement of the monsoon across the country. 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.
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!
