Cyclone Biparjoy is all set to make landfall in India and Pakistan at around 5 pm local time on Thursday. It currently looms near the western coast of India and southern Pakistan after gaining strength in the Arabian Sea for over a week.
This hazardous natural phenomenon, poised to make landfall on June 15, has triggered massive preparations and evacuations in the region. As the cyclone intensifies, concerns are mounting due to its unusually long lifespan and its potential for devastation.
Coordinates of Cyclone Biparjoy
Cyclone Biparjoy, captured by the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) on the NOAA-20 satellite, displayed its presence on June 14, just one day before its predicted landfall.
With wind speeds reaching 129 kilometers (80 miles) per hour on that day, the cyclone was classified as a category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Wind Scale.
After initially moving northward at a sluggish pace for eight days, Cyclone Biparjoy unexpectedly changed course to the east on June 14.
As per forecasts, Biparjoy is expected to reach land around 5:30 p.m. local time on June 15 as a “very severe cyclonic storm” with sustained wind speeds ranging from 125 to 135 kilometers per hour.
Cyclone Biparjoy’s Impact Zone
The impact zone includes India’s western state of Gujarat and the densely populated city of Karachi in Pakistan.
Authorities have undertaken significant measures to ensure the safety of the population, evacuating more than 30,000 individuals and 200,000 animals to higher ground.
ALSO READ: History Repeats Itself in the Arabian Sea as India, Pakistan Brace for Cyclone Biparjoy
Signs of the Storm
Signs of the approaching cyclone have already manifested, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and high tides battering various regions of western India.
Disturbingly, multiple fatalities, including drownings off the coast of Mumbai, have been reported.
As the storm gains momentum, concerns surrounding its intensity and potential damage grow more pronounced.
Cyclone Biparjoy Gains Strength from Warmer Temperatures in the Arabian Sea
The formation and longevity of Cyclone Biparjoy can be attributed to warmer-than-usual sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea.
According to climate scientist Roxy Mathew Koll from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, the sea temperatures ranged from 31°C to 32°C in early June, surpassing the climatological average by 2°C to 4°C.
These unusually warm waters facilitated the rapid intensification of the cyclone, a phenomenon witnessed twice throughout its existence.
From June 6 to 7, Biparjoy’s wind speed escalated from 55 to 139 kilometers per hour, and then further intensified from June 9 to 10, reaching 196 kilometers per hour—an alarming category 3 storm level.
Remarkably, these wind speeds were sustained until June 11.
Prolonged Lifespan of Biparjoy
The prolonged lifespan of Biparjoy can also be a result of the persistently warm sea surface temperatures.
India’s Meteorological Department reveals that Biparjoy may surpass the previous record for the longest-lasting cyclone in the Arabian Sea, which stood at nine days and 15 hours during Cyclone Kyarr in 2019.
As of June 14, the cyclone had been active for over eight days, a remarkable feat.
Climate scientists warn that cyclones in the Arabian Sea, although historically infrequent, are becoming more common due to rising sea surface temperatures.
A study conducted in 2021 by Indian researchers found a significant increase in cyclone frequency and duration over the past four decades, with ocean temperatures playing a crucial role in this shift.
Warnings Issued in India and Pakistan
As Cyclone Biparjoy inches closer to the coasts of Gujarat and Kachi, authorities have taken precautionary measures.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning specifically for the coasts of Saurashtra and Kachchh. It has categorized the storm as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).
With the looming threat of Biparjoy, the Gujarat Forest Department has initiated measures to safeguard both human lives and wildlife.
In Junagadh, the department is closely monitoring the habitats of lions in collaboration with local authorities and experts.
The authorities are carrying out vigilance and constant patrols to assess the situation and respond promptly to any potential risks.
The primary focus remains on protecting and preserving the diverse wildlife in the region.
Operational Hubs in Place to Monitor Situation
To effectively manage the situation, the Forest Department has established 21 control rooms across the affected areas. They are operational hubs for coordinating emergency responses and facilitating effective communication among the teams on the ground.
Around 500 forest workers, including Deputy Forest Officers and Range Forest Officers, are conducting patrols in the affected areas.
Specifically, the authorities have deployed 51 dedicated forest workers to focus on the protection of wildlife. They will closely monitor the movement and habitats of lions, leopards, and other species.
In the face of this impending disaster, the Coast Guard Regional Headquarters in Mumbai and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Center have initiated preemptive measures for the safety of lives at sea and the protection of property.
Over the past 10 days, they successfully guided more than 1,600 fishing boats and 5,000 merchant vessels to safer locations.
Furthermore, the Coast Guard has launched Coast Guard Donald and Chetak Helicopters. This will help them to assess the situation and issue warnings to maritime traffic, ensuring their safety.
As the cyclone approaches, heavy rain and strong winds have already begun. Various parts of Gujarat, including Jamnagar, Morbi, and Aravalli districts have reported massive rainfall.
Shall the World Be Alive to Global Warming Threat Now?
The intensity of the cyclone and its accompanying weather conditions are causing widespread concern. They necessitate extensive preparedness and response efforts.
In a remarkable perspective from space, UAE astronaut Sultan AlNeyadi captured images of Cyclone Biparjoy from the International Space Station.
AlNeyadi shared these breathtaking pictures on Twitter. He highlighted the cyclone’s formation over the Arabian Sea and its subsequent approach toward India and Pakistan.
The images serve as a testament to the unique vantage point the International Space Station provides. They also offer invaluable insights for experts on Earth engaged in weather monitoring.
Damaging Potential of Biparjoy
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General has emphasized the damaging potential of Cyclone Biparjoy.
The cyclonic storm is likely to bring extremely heavy rainfall, high windspeeds, and tidal waves as high as 2-3 meters in the Kachchh, Porbandar, and Dwarka districts.
Authorities, rescue teams, and relief organizations are on high alert. The governments have urged the people residing in the coastal regions of Gujarat and Pakistan to stay indoors. They also advised locals to abide by the guidelines issued by the respective government institutions.
As the cyclone’s landfall draws nearer, the collective efforts of these entities aim to minimize the impact and ensure the safety of the affected population.
The Final Thoughts
Cyclone Biparjoy is shaping into one of the fiercest cyclones in the history of the Arabian Sea. The time has come for world leaders to take initiatives to control global warming and climate change.
South Asia is at the epicenter of global climate change. The region is set to face more severe cyclones, floods, and rainfalls in the years to come. There is still time for global decision-makers to do their bit before it all gets out of control, FOREVER!