Cyclonic storm Biparjoy to hit Saurashtra and kutch

An alert has been issued for Saurashtra and Kutch as Cyclone Biparjoy, a “very severe” cyclonic storm, is reportedly turning eastward and heading towards the Gujarat coast in the Arabian Sea.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that the cyclone is likely to make landfall on Thursday, June 15, with winds of up to 150 kmph.
According to the IMD, “Extremely severe cyclonic storm “Biparjoy” (pronounced “Biparjoy”) in the East Central Arabian Sea moved northward with a speed of 05 kmph during the last 6 hours and made landfall at 530 this morning. Hours centered at IST.June 2023 over the East Central and adjacent Northeast Arabian Sea at latitude 19.2°N and longitude 67.7°E, about 340 km southwest of Porbandar, 380 km south-south of Devbhumi Dwarka. In the west, 460 km south, 460 km south of Jakhau Port, southwest of Naliya and 640 km south of Karachi (Pakistan).
“It is likely to move nearly northwards till the morning of 14th, then move north-eastwards and over Saurashtra and some adjoining Pakistani coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) near Jakhau Port (Gujarat). It will cross very strongly by the afternoon of June 15. Cyclone with sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.”
The IMD also said that damage is expected in parts of Gujarat, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi and Junagarh and Rajkot districts on June 15.
Cyclone Biparjoy is likely to cause total destruction of thatched houses/extensive damage to mud houses. Some damage to brick houses. Potential hazard from flying objects. Bending/uprooting of electricity and communication poles. Heavy damage to unpaved and paved roads. A flood of escape routes.
Disruption of railways, overhead power lines and signaling systems. Extensive damage to standing crops, orchards, plantations, green coconuts falling and palm fronds bursting.
Blowing of bushy trees like mango. Small boats, country craft may detach from the moorings. Sight is severely affected by salt spray.
Fishermen have been instructed to stop fishing and stay away from coastal areas. The IMD mentioned in its national bulletin that fishermen warning and action has been proposed for Kuch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh and Morbi districts and offshore and coastal industries.