Cyclone Biparjoy: Landfall Time, Location, Impact, and Cities Affected, with Preparations | Latest Updates 2023

India and Pakistan are making necessary preparations for the impending arrival of cyclone Biparjoy, which is projected to make landfall along their respective coastal regions on June 15.




Authorities in both countries have taken proactive measures to mitigate potential risks associated with the first severe cyclone of the year, Biparjoy. Fishing activities have been halted, rescue personnel have been deployed, and evacuation plans have been announced for individuals residing in vulnerable areas. This cyclone, originating from the Arabian Sea, is primarily targeting Pakistan's southern Sindh province and the coastline of Gujarat, India. It is expected to make landfall on Thursday, accompanied by maximum wind speeds reaching up to 150 kmph.




The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat, as Biparjoy is predicted to cross the Jakhau Port in Gujarat by the evening of June 15 as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).




Biparjoy initially formed as a Low-Pressure Area just last week but rapidly intensified into a formidable Severe Cyclonic Storm. Notably, it has become one of the most enduring cyclones to affect India in recent decades. The prolonged duration over the sea has allowed Biparjoy to accumulate significant energy and moisture, thereby intensifying its strength. Consequently, the risk of severe impacts and destructive consequences upon landfall has heightened, as reported by weather.com.




Landfall refers to the intersection of the center of a tropical cyclone with a coastline, according to the US National Hurricane Center. This occurrence indicates that the eye of the cyclone has moved from water to land. However, it is important to note that the cyclone's effects, including heavy rainfall and dust storms, may be experienced several hours before the actual landfall.




Landfall often brings about heavy winds, torrential rains, and an increase in sea level, posing a threat to communities residing in the vicinity.




The projected location for the landfall of cyclone Biparjoy is between Mandvi in Gujarat, India, and Karachi in Pakistan. Classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, it is expected to reach these areas on Thursday evening, accompanied by sustained wind speeds of 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph, according to the IMD.




Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the IMD, stated during a press briefing on Tuesday that on June 15, wind speeds in Dwarka, Jamnagar, Kutch, and Morbi districts of Gujarat would be around 125-135 kmph, with gusts reaching 150 kmph. This could potentially lead to extensive damage.




The following areas are expected to be affected: coastal districts of Gujarat, including Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi, and Junagarh. Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar districts may experience extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) on June 15. Furthermore, winds gusting up to 145 kmph are predicted to batter these districts.




Gujarat's coastal regions have already witnessed high waves in the Arabian Sea, along with heavy downpours and gusty winds that uprooted trees and caused a wall collapse resulting in casualties in Kutch and Rajkot districts. The state government has identified eight coastal districts that are expected to be affected by the cyclone.




The anticipated damage during the landfall of cyclone Biparjoy includes total destruction of thatched houses or extensive damage




to kutcha houses, with some harm to pucca houses, according to weather.com. There is also a potential threat from flying objects, bending or uprooting of power and communication poles, significant damage to roads, minor disruptions in railways, overhead power lines, and signaling systems. Additionally, there may be damage to standing crops, plantations, orchards, and the falling of green coconuts and palm fronds.




In preparation for cyclone Biparjoy, India has evacuated thousands of people from low-lying regions, particularly those residing within 5 km of the coast in Gujarat. If required, individuals residing within 10 km of the coast may be relocated over the next two days, according to officials. CC Patel, the director of relief in the Gujarat state government, stated, "We have shifted 20,580 people from Gujarat's coastal districts and moved them to relief camps where they will be provided with food, drinking water, and other essential materials."




Fishing operations in the affected regions of India and Pakistan have been suspended until Friday, and schools have declared holidays as a precautionary measure. The Gujarat government has deployed 21 teams of the National Disaster Response Force and 13 teams of the State Disaster Response Force for rescue operations. Reliance Industries, operating the world's largest refining complex in Jamnagar, Gujarat, has declared a force majeure and suspended diesel and other oil product exports from Sikka port due to the cyclone. Adani Ports, part of the Adani conglomerate, has also suspended vessel operations at Mundra, India's largest commercial port, and Tuna port near Kandla.




The Indian Coast Guard has evacuated 50 personnel from the jack-up oil rig named Key Singapore, owned by Dubai-based Shelf Drilling and currently working for Cairn Oil & Gas (Vedanta Ltd.), as per Shelf Drilling's website.




In Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority has issued instructions to take precautionary measures in the southern and southeastern parts that may be affected by the cyclone.