Cyclone Biparjoy, meaning “disaster” in Bengali, struck Gujarat with devastating force, unleashing destructive winds of up to 140 kmph and incessant rainfall. The cyclone caused significant damage to infrastructure, uprooted trees and electricity poles, and flooded low-lying areas in the state. While Gujarat braced itself for the impact, Mumbai also experienced the effects of the cyclone with heavy rainfall. This article provides an overview of the destruction caused by Cyclone Biparjoy and its implications for the affected regions.
Impact on Gujarat:
As Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau port in Gujarat, its intensity was classified as “very severe,” with wind speeds reaching 140 kmph. The Saurashtra-Kutch region, particularly the Naliya tehsil in the Kutch district, bore the brunt of the cyclone’s force. The cyclone resulted in the uprooting of trees in large numbers, widespread power failures, and flooding in coastal areas.
The damage caused by the cyclone was significant. Electricity cables were snapped, leading to a power outage in 45 villages in Naliya tehsil. Efforts were underway to restore power supply to affected areas. In total, more than 20 electricity poles fell in 940 villages across Gujarat. Fortunately, no loss of life was reported in Kutch, but 22 people were injured, and 23 animals lost their lives due to the storm.
The disruption caused by the cyclone extended to transportation networks. Western Railway canceled 23 trains and short-terminated three trains as a precautionary measure for passenger safety. A total of 99 trains were canceled, 39 trains were short-terminated, and 38 trains short-originated.
Response and Outlook:
The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) was deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations in the affected areas. Gujarat’s district administration initiated a damage survey to assess the extent of destruction caused by Cyclone Biparjoy.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the cyclone would gradually weaken and transform into a cyclonic storm and then a depression over south Rajasthan. Meanwhile, Mumbai experienced heavy rainfall, which provided some relief to the region as it awaited the onset of the monsoon season.
The IMD forecasts light rainfall in Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar until June 17. Furthermore, the southwest monsoon is expected to advance over parts of the southern peninsula and eastern India between June 18 and 21, bringing relief to regions eagerly awaiting the arrival of the monsoon.
Cyclone Biparjoy wreaked havoc in Gujarat, causing extensive damage to infrastructure, power outages, and flooding in low-lying areas. Although there were no reported fatalities in Kutch, injuries and animal casualties occurred. The authorities swiftly responded to the situation by deploying NDRF teams and initiating damage surveys. As the cyclone weakens and moves towards Rajasthan, the affected regions can begin the process of recovery and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Mumbai and its neighboring areas experienced heavy rainfall, signaling the imminent arrival of the monsoon season, which brings hope for relief from the scorching heat and water scarcity.