The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 6 June forecasted that an extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ is formed over the east-central Arabian Sea and will make landfall near the India-Pakistan border. Since then, high waves have been observed over the Arabian Sea coast showcasing the intensity of the storm. The cyclone does have ‘joy’ in its name, but ‘Biparjoy’ means ‘disaster’ or ‘calamity’ in Bengali. The cyclonic storm which is already scary even before its landfall has got its name from Bangladesh.
Biparjoy is expected to be a severe cyclone after making landfall between Gujarat and Pakistan on 15 June, say reports. BW explains the severe cyclonic storm that has created an atmosphere of fear among most.
Biparjoy’s Movement
As per the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) latest update, the ‘extremely severe cyclonic storm’ will move north-northeast and cross Saurashtra and Kutch, adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by 15 June, noon. The wind speeds could go up to 125-135 kilometre per hour (kmph) and peak at 150 kmph.
Intensity Of The Cyclonic Storm
The Indian National Center for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS) also suggested that intensity of the cyclonic storm would be severe as large waves have already begun crashing on the Arabian shores. The waves are estimated to have exceeded eight meters in height.
Biparjoy is the second high-intensity cyclone since 1982.
How Is India Gearing Up To Deal With Biparjoy?
To lessen the estimated effects of the cyclone, IMD has issued alerts to coastal areas, especially in Gujarat, urging authorities and locals to be prepared for potential evacuations. Residents near the coast are advised to remain indoors and 1,300 locals have already been shifted to safer places. The shifting is still ongoing at Kandla, Gujarat’s Kutch where people from low-lying areas are being shifted to temporary shelters. They have been asked to be on alert in case of any emergency situation, claim reports.
In addition to this, fishing activities along Gujarat’s south and north coasts have also been curbed. The Centre is further keeping track of all IMD alerts and taking actions accordingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in talks to hold a meeting to review the situation related to cyclone Biparjoy, as cited by media sources. Furthermore, Railways have also set up control rooms in Gujarat and field staff are deployed on alert.
According to reports, the PM has directed senior officers to take every possible measure while evacuating people from vulnerable locations. He has also urged the officers to ensure maintenance of all essential services such as power, telecommunications, health and drinking water, etc. All the essentials will be restored immediately in the event of damage caused to them, added PM Modi.
