Guwahati: The cyclone “Biparjoy” is anticipated to weaken even more during the morning hours and transition into a “depression” the next evening, according to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday.
IMD reported that the’severe’ cyclonic storm Biparjoy was centred over the Saurashtra-Kutch area and was forecast to move northeast. It also stated that Rajasthan should expect heavy rainfall on Friday.
Taking to Twitter, IMD wrote, “The severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy lay centred over the Saurashtra-Kutch region, 30 km north of Naliya as of 0230 IST today.”
“It is expected to move northeastwards and weaken into a Cyclonic Storm by early morning on June 16, and into a depression by the same evening over south Rajasthan,” it said.
IMD Director Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said that the cyclone has already crossed the ocean’s surface and is centred near Saurashtra-Kutch.
“Cyclone Biporjoy moved northeastwards and crossed the Saurashtra-Kutch adjoining Pakistan coast close to the Jakhau port, Gujarat. The cyclone has now moved from sea to land and is centred towards Saurashtra-Kutch,” Mohapatra was quoted by ANI as saying.
“The intensity of the cyclone has reduced to 105-115 kmph. The category has changed from very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) to severe cyclonic storm (SCS). There may be heavy rains in Rajasthan on June 16 (Friday),” he added.
After making landfall in Gujarat’s coastal regions on Thursday and Friday night, Cyclone Biparjoy’s intensity decreased from “very severe” to “severe,” according to the hurricane centre.
According to earlier reports from IMD, Cyclone Biparjoy, a very severe cyclone, is heading ahead of Saurashtra Kutch.
“Very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) close to Saurashtra and Kutch Coasts. The landfall process is continuing and by midnight it will be completely over the land. Part of the eye is over the land,” IMD had said on Thursday evening.
The coastal region of Gujarat has been hit by Cyclone Biparjoy, which has been brewing over the Arabian Sea for several days. The train services have also been impacted. As a result, 99 trains that originate or stop in Gujarat’s Biparjoy-affected districts will continue to be cancelled or short-terminated, according to Western Railway.
Many relief and rescue teams are on watch, according to officials, as tens of thousands of people were evacuated to safe areas in Gujarat.
The State Emergency Operation Centre in Gandhinagar hosted a review meeting on Thursday morning, which was presided over by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.
Earlier on Wednesday, the IMD issued a Red alert for the Saurashtra and Kutch coasts, stating that VSCS (Very Severe Cyclonic Storm) “Biparjoy” will pass across Saurashtra and Kutch as well as the nearby Pakistani shores by Thursday evening, between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port.
The India Meteorological Department has already issued warnings of significant damage to temporary dwelling structures and tree and branch falls owing to high-speed winds, high tides, and heavy rains.