Cyclone Biparjoy, classified as an "extremely severe cyclonic storm," has prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene a review meeting. The cyclone is expected to make landfall between Gujarat's Kutch and Karachi in Pakistan. In light of this, the Prime Minister has directed officials to prioritize the safe evacuation of individuals residing in vulnerable areas.
New Dehli: During the briefing on the ongoing efforts to mitigate the cyclone's impact, PM Modi emphasized the importance of maintaining essential services and being prepared for their prompt restoration in the event of any damages. He also urged officials to ensure the safety of animals.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a cyclone alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts in Gujarat. The IMD forecasts rough to very rough sea conditions until Wednesday, with the situation turning very rough to high on Thursday. The districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, Morbi, Gir Somnath, Porbandar, and Devbhumi Dwarka are expected to experience heavy rainfall and extremely high wind speeds, reaching up to 150 kmph, from June 13 to 15.
Preemptive measures have already been initiated in the Kutch district, where authorities are relocating residents from low-lying areas to temporary shelters. Around shelters have been prepared to accommodate the affected individuals in coastal villages.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently visited the State Emergency Operation Center to assess the preparedness of coastal districts in handling potential emergency situations. As a precautionary measure, the IMD has advised fishermen to refrain from venturing into the seas off the coasts of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Lakshadweep.
Furthermore, it is vital for district authorities and state governments to remain vigilant, closely monitor the situation, and take appropriate precautionary measures in their respective areas. The IMD's guidance serves as a reminder for them to prioritize the safety and well-being of the local population.
In adherence to international maritime regulations, ports have been instructed to hoist signals that warn vessels of impending adverse weather conditions. This protocol aims to safeguard maritime activities and protect the vessels and crew members from potential hazards.
The inclement weather conditions caused by cyclone Biparjoy have already impacted flight operations in Mumbai. Several flights were canceled or delayed, while others had to abort their landing due to the adverse weather conditions. The Pakistan government has also advised authorities in Sindh and Balochistan to remain on high alert. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has forecasted rain accompanied by thunder along the coasts of Sindh and Makran, starting from the night of June 13.
It is worth mentioning that the name "Biparjoy" was assigned to this cyclone by Bangladesh. In Bengali, the name signifies "disaster" or "calamity." The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) adopted the name in 2020, and it is pronounced as "Biporjoy" according to the IMD website.
As the cyclone Biparjoy approaches, it is crucial for all concerned authorities to work together in ensuring the safe evacuation of individuals residing in vulnerable areas. By prioritizing preparedness and taking proactive measures, we can minimize the potential impact of this calamitous event and protect the lives and livelihoods of those at risk.