Video | Longest-Lived Arabian Sea Cyclone, Biparjoy, poses threat to Gujarat coastline, rain in Maharashtra and Goa
PuneNow, June 13, 2023: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy, a historical weather phenomenon, continues to intensify in the Arabian Sea, with an expected landfall near Gujarat on Thursday, June 15.
Notably, Biparjoy has become the longest-lived cyclone with at least Category 1 strength in the Arabian Sea’s history, as per Vineet Kumar, a research scientist specializing in ocean-cyclone interaction. He explained that Biparjoy was supercharged twice by unusually warm conditions in the Arabian Sea and sustained by favorable wind conditions for 144 hours.
The storm underwent rapid intensification twice after forming on June 7, with wind speed increases of 84 kmph and 75 kmph recorded on June 6-7 and June 9-10, respectively. The Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC) warned that such rapid intensification over the Arabian Sea is both unusual and dangerous.
Currently, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Biparjoy is located over the east-central Arabian Sea and is predicted to cross Saurashtra, Kutch, and the adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat). Maximum sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph gusting up to 150 kmph are expected.
As the cyclone moves closer, coastal areas of Gujarat, including Dwarka, and Mumbai in Maharashtra have started experiencing high tides and gusty winds. An orange alert has been issued by IMD for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, and schools in these areas, including Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar, Junagadh, Porbandar, have been closed as a precautionary measure.
Cyclone Biparjoy’s impending landfall has raised concerns for the coastal areas of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa, which may receive heavy rainfall. The IMD has advised total suspension of fishing operations over the Gujarat Coast and the central and adjoining North Arabian Sea until June 15.
Predicted impacts of the cyclone include significant disruption to power and communication lines, extensive damage to roads and railways, damage to standing crops, plantations, and potential flooding. Small boats and country crafts are particularly at risk of being detached from moorings.
Heavy rainfall is expected in various districts of Saurashtra and Kutch on June 14 and 15, and light to moderate rainfall with isolated heavy falls is expected in north Gujarat and adjoining south Rajasthan on June 16.
In addition, storm surge warnings have been issued for Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Morbi districts. Storm surges of about 2-3 meters above astronomical tides could inundate low-lying areas during landfall.
For emergency assistance related to Cyclone Biparjoy, residents can call the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) helpline at 011-1078. Detailed advisories are being sent via email to residents of the affected areas.
Stay tuned for further updates on Cyclone Biparjoy, and stay safe.
