According to the India Meteorological Department ( IMD), Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to land on Gujarat’s Saurashtra and Kutch regions and adjoining Pakistan coasts on June 15. The Western Railway has cancelled around 95 trains running through, originating, or terminating in Biparjoy-affected areas of Gujarat. Bracing for the cyclone, which has intensified into a “very severe” cyclonic storm according to the IMD, 12 NDRF teams have been deployed in the western state. Preparation were reviewd for power supply and quick restoration arrangements for coastal areas in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Cyclone Biparjoy is the only third cyclone in nearly 60 years to hit the western coast.
Cyclone Biparjoy weakened into a very severe cyclonic storm on Tuesday and as it continues to move north-northwestwards, the cyclone is 380 kilometres south of Karachi. Fishing activities have been halted, rescue personnel have been deployed and evacuation plans for those at risk have been put in place.
Cyclone Biparjoy is the only third cyclone in nearly 60 years to hit the western coast. Experts say that the increase in frequency and intensity is indicating the negative impact of climate change.
As Biparjoy prepares to make landfall between Gujarat’s Mandvi and Pakistan’s port city of Karachi on June 15, the Met department said total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to kutcha houses in several districts. The very severe cyclonic storm can uproot power and communication poles in these areas and disrupt railways and damage standing crops, plantations and orchards.
