Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies into extremely severe cyclonic, likely to cross Gujarat on 15 June: IMD

New Delhi: The cyclonic storm “Biparjoy” intensified into an “extremely severe cyclonic” storm on Sunday at 5:30 am, as per India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Weather agency said “Biparjoy” is very likely to move nearly northwards and reach Pakistan and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch coasts on June 15.

As per IMD Gujarat will witness thunderstorm activity during the next five days with wind speed remaining high, especially in the Saurashtra-Kutch region.

“Sea conditions along and off Saurashtra and Kutch coasts will likely remain “rough to very rough” till Wednesday, and very rough to high on Thursday, it said.

“The state governments are advised to keep a close watch, monitor the situation in their areas regularly and take appropriate precautionary measures. District authorities are advised accordingly,” the IMD said.

In view of the situation a National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been stationed at the beach near Jarod village in Vadodara, Gujarat, ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy’s landfall.

Until June 14, the beach will not be open to tourists. Additionally, the fishermen have been instructed not to venture into the water.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that the storm could cause heavy rain and strong winds in coastal areas of Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Meanwhile, an advisory has also been issued to fishermen not to venture into the seas off the coast of Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka, and Lakshadweep.

“Due to the cyclone, the wind speed may go up to 45 to 55 knots on June 11 and 12. The speed may also touch the 65-knot mark. The cyclone would bring light rains and thunderstorms in coastal regions, including south Gujarat and Saurashtra. All ports have been asked to hoist Distant Warning signals,” said Manorama Mohanty, Director of IMD’s Meteorological Centre in Ahmedabad.

The cyclone was named Biparjoy by Bangladesh. The name means “disaster” or “calamity” in Bengali.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) adopted the name in 2020 for all tropical cyclones that form over the North Indian Ocean, including the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.