Cyclone Biparjoy is weakening, says IMD DG Mahapatra

M Mahapatra, director general, Indian Meteorological Centre, said today (June 13) that Cyclone Biparjoy is weakening from its extreme force. However, he ruled out the possibility that it had slowed down to a low intensity and said that it was still a severe cyclone. He informed that the cyclone would cross Kutch at a speed of 125 to 135 km/h. 

The IMD officials said that the cyclone would move towards the north. Its speed today (June 13) will be a maximum of 150-160 km/h.

On June 14, the speed will be reduced to 135 to 145 km/h, while on June 15, it will be comparatively slower, between 125 and 135 KM/h.

On the same day, it will hit a place between Pakistan's Karachi and India's Mandvi. 

The wind speed in Kutch and Porbandar will be nearly 65 to 75 KM/h.

Extensive damaging potential

Mohapatra also said that cyclone 'Biparjoy' has an extensive damaging potential and it is likely to impact Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts of Gujarat the most.

Cyclone Biparjoy is predicted to cross Saurashtra and Kutch coasts near the Jakhau Port on the evening of June 15 as a 'very severe cyclonic storm' with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.

"Its damaging potential could be extensive," IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said at a press conference.

The cyclone could lead to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) at isolated places in Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts on June 15.

"Usually these areas do not receive such massive rainfall. Therefore, it can lead to flooding in low-lying areas," he said.

Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall.

Winds gusting up to 145 kilometers are predicted to batter these districts.

"Tidal waves reaching heights of up to six metres could inundate low-lying coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. Evacuation measures have been recommended, and authorities are taking prompt action," Mohapatra said.