While thousands of precious lives have been saved, Cyclone Biparjoy, which made landfall yesterday on June 15, has left a trail of destruction behind.
As per reports, at least two people have died in Bhavnagar district, and more than 1,000 thousand villages in Gujarat are without power. Nearly 600 trees have been uprooted on three state highways, the traffic movement came to a standstill and several houses were also damaged due to the natural disaster, which is the longest duration cyclone in the Arabian Sea at nine days, compared to an average of four to five days.
Following the landfall near Jakhau port in Gujarat, a series of destruction was witnessed as it damaged 5,120 electricity poles and left 4,600 villages without power. Power supply has been restored in 3,580 villages however more than 1,000 are still without electricity, officials said.
According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intensity of Cyclone Biparjoy reduced from a ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm to ‘severe cyclonic’ storm after it hit the land, making landfall in Gujarat’s coastal areas on June 15 night.
IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said today, “Cyclone Biporjoy moved towards northeastwards and crossed the Saurashtra-Kutch adjoining Pakistan coast close to the Jakhau port, Gujarat. The cyclone has now moved from sea to land and is centred towards Saurashtra-Kutch. The intensity of the cyclone has reduced to 105-115 kmph. The category has changed from very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) to severe cyclonic storm (SCS). There may be heavy rains in Rajasthan on June 16.”
Also Read: Gujarat Braces Up For Landfall As Cyclone Biparjoy Hovers 300 KMs Away From Porbandar
According to IMD’s bulletin issued on June 16 at 1615 hours, “light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places is very likely over Saurashtra & Kutch, isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely over north Gujarat region and south Rajasthan on 16th and over south Rajasthan & adjoining north Gujarat region on 17th June.”
The cyclone is very likely to move nearly towards east and northeast and weaken further into a deep depression over Saurashtra & Kutch around evening of 16th June.
Also Read: Cyclone in Arabian Sea — will it affect monsoon onset? Here’s what experts say
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Modi took stock of the situation and had a telephonic conversation with the Chief Minister of Gujarat. CM Bhupendra Patel tweeted, “Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra bhai Modi had a telephonic conversation with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel late today to get detailed information on the Biparjoy Cyclone situation approaching Gujarat. Hon’ble Prime Minister also learned the details of the security arrangements for wild animals including lions of Gir Forest.”
Damages expected
As per IMD’s latest bulletin, the damages expected over Kachchh and North Saurashtra districts during the next 3 hours could be minor damage to power and communication lines due to breaking of branches. Major damage to kutcha and minor damage to pucca roads. Some damage to paddy crops, banana, papaya trees and orchards is also expected.
Furthermore the statement mentioned that there will be a total suspension of fishing operations over northeast and adjoining east central Arabian Sea. The ports and naval base operations along the west coast of India may take necessary precautions.
Meanwhile, there will also be judicious regulation of rail and road traffic. The tourism activities may be regulated over these areas and people in affected areas remain indoors.
