Cyclone Biparjoy, which initially appeared destined for the Pakistani coast, has changed course and now poses a potential threat to the Gujarat coast. As the strong storm gains strength, weather experts are warning of possible large-scale damage and disruption in the region.
Biparjoy Storm changed route
According to the latest bulletin from the Netaj IMD Regional Specialized Meteorological Center (RSMC) of the Meteorological Department, Cyclone Biparjoy has intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm. The storm, now moving in a north-northeasterly direction, was approximately 540 km west of Mumbai on Sunday evening.
The government is deploying disaster response teams and setting up shelter centers in preparation for the cyclone’s impact. The storm is likely to cross Saurashtra and Kutch and the Karachi coast of Pakistan on June 15.
The India Meteorological Department has advised fishermen to avoid fishing in the affected areas and has instructed people at sea to return to shore.
The coastal districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Morbi, Gir, Somnath, Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka are expected to be affected by the cyclone. The government is coordinating relief and rescue efforts to minimize the impact of the cyclone.
Heavy rain warning
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued heavy rain warnings on June 14-15 in several districts including Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh and Mori. Fishermen have been advised to refrain from fishing in the affected areas and to avoid venturing into the central Arabian Sea until June 15.
Anticipating the potential impact, the government has taken proactive steps to safeguard coastal areas. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are being deployed to ensure timely response and relief operations. Reception centers are being established in six districts to house residents within a radius of 5 to 10 km from the coast.
The Meteorology Department bulletin highlights the possible consequences of Cyclone Biparjoy. Along the western coastal districts, heavy to very heavy rain and subsequent flooding are expected, posing a threat to kutcha-pucca houses. The storm also presents risks such as damage to thatched houses, standing crops, roads, plantations and orchards.
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