Cyclone Biparjoy Triggers Alert in 9 States & Union Territories, IMD Predicts Heavy Rainfall and Strong Winds

The Indian Meteorological Department ( IMD ) has issued a high alert for nine states and union territories in India as Cyclone Biparjoy intensifies. The regions affected include Gujarat , Kerala, Tamil Nadu , Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman & Diu, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. The IMD has predicted heavy rainfall and strong winds as the cyclone progresses.

According to the latest forecast, parts of Gujarat are expected to face heavy to very heavy rainfall from June 14-15. Furthermore, on June 16, regions of north Gujarat and south Rajasthan may experience light to moderate rainfall, while heavy to very heavy rainfall is anticipated in some areas.

On June 14, the IMD predicts light to moderate rainfall in most places, but isolated areas such as Kutch , Devbhumi Dwarka , Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi districts in Saurashtra and Kutch may witness heavy to very heavy rainfall and even extremely heavy rain showers.

The intensity of rainfall is expected to escalate on June 15, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall anticipated in the remaining districts of Saurashtra and the north Gujarat region. On June 16, most places are likely to experience light to moderate rainfall, except for isolated areas of north Gujarat and adjoining south Gujarat, where heavy to very heavy rainfall is expected.

In addition to heavy rainfall, the IMD has also issued wind warnings for the coastal areas. Currently, gale wind speeds of 65-75 kmph, gusting up to 85 kmph, are prevailing along and off the coasts of Porbandar and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. These wind speeds are projected to increase to 125-135 kmph, gusting up to 150 kmph, for the following 12 hours from the morning of June 15 along and off Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagarh, and Morbi districts.

The wind speeds are expected to gradually decrease thereafter. Squally wind speeds of 55-65 kmph, gusting up to 75 kmph, are also anticipated along the remaining districts of the Saurashtra coast on June 14 and 15.

Due to the intensifying cyclonic conditions, the IMD has advised fishermen to suspend all fishing operations in the east-central and adjoining west-central Arabian Sea until June 15. Fishing activities in the northeast Arabian Sea will also be halted from June 14-15. Individuals at sea are strongly urged to return to the coast, and the use of motor boats and small ships along these coasts is discouraged for safety reasons.

As Cyclone Biparjoy weakens, the IMD has issued an orange alert, indicating heavy rainfall expectations in Gujarat, Kerala, Meghalaya, and West Bengal. It is crucial for residents in these areas to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this period of inclement weather.

The authorities continue to monitor the cyclone's progress and provide regular updates to the public to mitigate any potential risks and minimise the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy.