On Thursday evening, the ‘very severe’ cyclonic storm Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat, causing injury to at least 22 individuals and resulting in the uprooting of electric poles and trees. By Friday evening, the cyclone is expected to weaken and transition into a depression as it progresses towards Rajasthan.
According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the intensity of cyclone Biparjoy downgraded from ‘very severe’ to ‘severe’ after its landfall. “The cyclone has now moved from the sea to land and is centered around Sauarashtra-Kutch. The cyclone’s intensity has decreased to 105-115 kmph,” stated Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director of IMD.
State officials reported that the combination of heavy rainfall and strong winds caused over 524 trees and electric poles to be uprooted at various locations in Gujarat, resulting in power supply disruptions to approximately 940 villages.
After traversing the Arabian Sea for more than 10 days, cyclone Biparjoy finally made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat on Thursday evening, exhibiting wind speeds ranging from 125 kmph to 140 kmph. However, the cyclone began to weaken several hours later, and by 2:30 am on Friday, it was accompanied by winds of 100 kmph with gusts reaching up to 110 kmph.
Dr. M Mohapatra further mentioned that Rajasthan is expected to experience extremely heavy rainfall on the 16th and 17th of June as the cyclone progresses northwestward.
In response to the cyclone, the Gujarat government confirmed that approximately 94,000 individuals residing in coastal and low-lying areas had been successfully evacuated and relocated to shelters.
Following its landfall in Gujarat, cyclone Biparjoy is set to advance towards Rajasthan, bringing with it the potential for intense downpours in the region on the 16th and 17th of June.