Biparjoy Cyclone: Weather office IMD issues warning; here's all you need to know

Cyclone Biparjoy, currently classified as a 'very severe cyclonic storm’, is closing in on the Indian coastline, causing heavy rain across Gujarat and Maharashtra. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued several warnings and advisories to the residents due to the potential for substantial destruction, updating its colour-coded warning to red for several coastal areas in Gujarat.

As of today, June 14, 2023, the cyclone is moving closer to the Indian shores, and a landfall is expected on June 15. Gujarat districts such as Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh, and Rajkot are predicted to face significant damage, including destruction of houses, disruption of power and communication, and damage to crops and plantations.

“Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts: Orange Message. VSCS BIPARJOY at 2330 IST of 13th June over NE Arabian Sea near lat 21.7N and long 66.3E, about 300 km WSW of Devbhumi Dwarka. To cross near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by evening of 15th June as VSCS,” reported the IMD. 

Cyclone Warning for Saurashtra & Kutch Coasts: Orange Message. VSCS BIPARJOY at 2330 IST of 13th June over NE Arabian Sea near lat 21.7N & long 66.3E, about 300km WSW of Devbhumi Dwarka. To cross near Jakhau Port (Gujarat) by evening of 15th June as VSCS. https://t.co/KLRdEFHiFR pic.twitter.com/f7M8PIY8TZ

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 13, 2023

Despite Cyclone Biparjoy intensifying into a very severe cyclonic storm from an ‘extremely severe cyclonic storm’, it remains a significant threat. At the peak of the cyclone, wind speeds in Dwarka, Jamnagar, Kutch, and Morbi districts could reach up to 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph. Heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected in several districts of Gujarat on June 15, potentially leading to flooding and blockades of roads.

The IMD has also issued a storm surge warning, indicating the risk of flooding in low-lying areas, primarily in Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, and Morbi districts.

Evacuation in Gujarat coastal areas and trains cancelled

About 37,800 people have been evacuated from coastal districts, and over 400 shelter homes have been established in Dwarka. The Indian Coast Guard has been involved in evacuating crew from jackup rigs.

Western Railways has also announced that 95 trains will remain cancelled up to June 15 as part of precautionary measures. All of the affected trains originate from or end at the Biparjoy-affected areas of Gujarat, which include all trains going to the coastal areas of the state. Both the Ahmedabad Airport Authority and the Civil Aviation Ministry have been directed to monitor the situation closely and make appropriate arrangements as well.

The Government has been proactive in its response to the impending storm. The Central and State Governments, in collaboration with the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Forces (SDRFs), local police, and other related agencies, have been working closely to minimise the impact of the cyclone.  Teams have also been put in place to ensure that critical services like electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, and drinking water remain available in areas where residents have been evacuated to. 

"We have already started evacuating people residing near the coast who are likely to be affected the most during the landfall. So far, various district administrations have shifted nearly 30,000 people to temporary shelters," Alok Kumar Pandey, State Commissioner of Relief, told PTI.

After making landfall, the storm cell is expected to move north into Rajasthan, inundating large areas of Gujarat with heavy rain until June 17.