Cyclone Biparjoy leaves behind trail of destruction, major power outage in 900 villages in Gujarat
New Delhi, June 16: Cyclone Biparjoy, classified as a 'very severe' cyclonic storm, made landfall in Gujarat, resulting in two deaths and 22 injuries. The cyclone caused significant damage, uprooting electric poles and trees across the region. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that the cyclone is expected to weaken into a depression as it moves towards Rajasthan.
Following the landfall, the intensity of cyclone Biparjoy has reduced from 'very severe' to 'severe.' IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stated that the cyclone has now moved from the sea to land, with its center located in the Sauarashtra-Kutch region. The cyclone's wind speed has decreased to 105-115 kmph.
The storm brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to the uprooting of over 524 trees and electric poles in Gujarat. As a result, around 940 villages experienced power outages. Tragically, a cattle-rearer and his son lost their lives while attempting to rescue their goats in Bhavnagar district.
#WATCH | Rain continues to lash Mandvi in Kachchh district after cyclone 'Biparjoy' made landfall along the Gujarat coast yesterday pic.twitter.com/4mX9NMkeG9 — ANI (@ANI) June 16, 2023
After being active in the Arabian Sea for over 10 days, cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat. Initially, it exhibited wind speeds ranging between 125 kmph and 140 kmph but gradually weakened. As of 2:30 am on Friday, the cyclone sustained winds of 100 kmph with gusts up to 110 km/h.
The IMD has issued warnings of extremely heavy rainfall in Rajasthan on June 16 and 17 as the cyclone progresses northwestward. They have also cautioned about potential damage to temporary structures, falling trees and branches, and high tides due to the cyclone's impact.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to assess the situation after the cyclonic storm hit. PM Modi inquired about safety measures for wildlife, including lions in the Gir Forest. The Gujarat government reported that around 94,000 people were relocated from coastal and low-lying areas to shelters.
The cyclone has disrupted train services, resulting in the cancellation or short termination of approximately 99 trains in the affected areas of Gujarat, as announced by the Western Railway.
Numerous disaster response teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and various state departments, have been deployed to the coastal districts to assist with relief and rescue operations.
Fishing activities have been suspended, ports are closed, and ships have been anchored as precautionary measures. The famous Dwarkadhish Temple in Devbhumi Dwarka and Somnath Temple in Gir Somnath district remained closed to devotees.
Commercial operations at Jamnagar airport have been temporarily suspended, and necessary fuel reserves have been stored to address any emergency requirements.
The authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy in the affected regions.
Also Read: Cyclone Biparjoy HIGHLIGHTS: Severe storm landfall process begins in Gujarat
- With inputs from agencies
