Cyclone Biparjoy has made landfall on Thursday, hitting the Saurashtra and Kutch regions in Gujarat, as well as the adjoining Pakistan coasts, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone brings with it a wind speed ranging from 115 to 125 kmph, gusting to 145 kmph, posing a significant threat to the affected areas.
The landfall process, which may take several hours to complete, is expected to continue until midnight on Thursday. IMD warns that heavy rainfall will persist during this period, exacerbating the already challenging situation. In addition to the torrential rain, the storm surge caused by the cyclone is anticipated to be 2-3 meters above the astronomical tide. Low-lying areas, including Dwarka, Okha, Diu, Naliya, Veraval, Bhuj, Porbandar, and Kandla, are at risk of inundation.
Ananda Das, responsible for cyclone monitoring at IMD, highlighted the size and intensity of Cyclone Biparjoy. With a radius of approximately 300 km and a core wind area spanning 100 km, this very severe cyclone is expected to maintain its strength. Das emphasized that the landfall process will be prolonged due to the region’s non-uniform coastline, resembling a gulf.
Experts have noted that the majority of rainfall will occur in the southern eyewall, while the northern portion of the cyclone may experience less precipitation. Vineet Kumar Singh, a researcher at Typhoon Research Center, Jeju National University, South Korea, stated that areas south of the cyclone’s center are likely to receive more rainfall in the next six hours compared to areas north of it.
In an interesting historical context, Cyclone Biparjoy has set a new record as the longest-duration cyclone in the history of the Arabian Sea. It has maintained cyclone strength, with winds exceeding 34 knots, for a remarkable 192 hours until Wednesday morning, surpassing the previous record set in June 1998, as confirmed by data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.
Authorities continue to closely monitor the situation and have urged residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Cyclone Biparjoy:
Cyclone Biparjoy, a formidable tropical cyclone, has recently made headlines as it struck the Saurashtra and Kutch regions of Gujarat, India, as well as the adjoining Pakistan coasts. The cyclone, characterized by its strong winds and heavy rainfall, has posed significant threats to these coastal areas.
With wind speeds ranging from 115 to 125 kmph, gusting up to 145 kmph, Cyclone Biparjoy unleashed its fury during the landfall process. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings, urging residents to brace themselves for the severe weather conditions. The landfall process, lasting for several hours, was projected to continue until midnight on Thursday, leading to sustained heavy rainfall.
One of the major concerns associated with Cyclone Biparjoy was the storm surge. IMD forecasted that the surge could reach 2-3 meters above the astronomical tide. This elevation posed a significant risk of inundation in low-lying areas, including Dwarka, Okha, Diu, Naliya, Veraval, Bhuj, Porbandar, and Kandla. Some districts were even expected to experience astronomical tides as high as 3-6 meters in different locations.
The size and intensity of Cyclone Biparjoy added to its destructive potential. Covering a radius of approximately 300 km, with a core wind area of about 100 km, this very severe cyclone left a lasting impact. IMD officials emphasized that due to the non-uniform coastline resembling a gulf, the landfall process took an extended period to complete.
Experts also observed distinct rainfall patterns within the cyclone. The southern eyewall experienced the most significant rainfall, while the northern portion saw comparatively less precipitation. This information played a crucial role in predicting the areas that would be most affected by the cyclone’s rainfall in the next few hours.
Furthermore, Cyclone Biparjoy broke records in the Arabian Sea. With a duration of 192 hours at cyclone strength (winds exceeding 34 knots), it became the longest-lasting cyclone in the history of the region. This record-breaking feat surpassed the previous milestone set by a cyclone in June 1998, as confirmed by data from the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre.
Given the potential risks and hazards associated with Cyclone Biparjoy, authorities closely monitored the situation and urged residents to take necessary precautions for their safety. The impact of the cyclone on the affected areas, including damage to infrastructure and potential disruptions to daily life, remained a concern for the region.
Cyclone Biparjoy serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature and the need for preparedness in the face of such natural disasters. As communities recover from the aftermath of this powerful storm, efforts to rebuild and strengthen resilience are crucial for a safer future.
