Cyclone Biparjoy weakens after landfall
Cyclone Biparjoy, which means “disaster” in Bengali language, struck the Arabian Sea and hit the coastlines of India and Pakistan with strong winds and heavy rains. The longest cyclone to have struck the Arabian Sea, Biparjoy knocked out power in nearly 1000 villages and caused loss of life and property before finally dissipating. The cyclone made landfall in Gujarat state, India, on Thursday, 17 June 2023, with windspeeds of 85 kph (53 mph), gusting up to 105 kph (86 mph). The storm caused widespread damage, disrupting transportation, power outages, and loss of life. However, the cyclone weakened as it moved from the Arabian Sea towards Pakistan, reducing from “very severe” to “severe” intensity, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The cyclone is centered towards Sauarashtra-Kutch, with heavy rains expected in Rajasthan.
Cyclone Biparjoy impact:
Several regions have been impacted by Cyclone Biparjoy, including Gujarat in India, and many parts of Pakistan. There has been loss of life, disruption of transportation, and power outages as a result of the cyclone. Here are the details of Cyclone Biparjoy impact:
Death and destruction in Gujarat
Biparjoy caused death and destruction in Gujarat, with a man and his son dying as they attempted to save their livestock in the region. The cyclone knocked out power in nearly 1000 villages and threw shipping containers into the sea in western India.
Cancellation of trains
Indian Railways cancelled over 100 trains in Gujarat as a precautionary measure as Cyclone Biparjoy approached the coast.
Electricity poles damaged in Gujarat
Cyclone Biparjoy caused extensive damage to the state power utility Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited, with 5,120 electricity poles getting damaged, according to officials. As many as 4,600 villages were left without power, but electricity supply was restored in 3,580.
Impact on APM Terminals Pipavav Port
Cyclone Biparjoy adversely impacted APM Terminals Pipavav Port, with the port resuming certain landside operations following an improvement in the weather condition.
Emergency response teams in action
The Gujarat Chief Minister thanked the emergency response teams that helped in restoring uprooted electric polls and trees and clearing the blocked roads.
Cyclone Biparjoy impact in Bhuj
The impact of Cyclone Biparjoy in Bhuj caused the relocation of 54,000 people, 80,000 electricity poles were hit, and eight people were injured.
Floods in Pakistan
Pakistani authorities evacuated 82,000 people and were on high alert as the cyclone, which was churning across the Arabian Sea for more than ten days, moved towards Pakistan.
The aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy:
Cyclone Biparjoy has caused widespread destruction in many regions, including Gujarat state and Pakistan. The aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy has led to several initiatives for relief and restoration efforts. Here are some updates on the aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy:
Restoration works begun in Gujarat
The Gujarat Relief Commissioner said the work has begun to restore uprooted electric polls and trees and clear the blocked roads. Around 34 people were injured in the cyclone, and 94 animals perished.
Weather forecast for Mumbai
IMD scientists have predicted that the onset of southwest-westerly winds will bring rain to the Konkan coast. They will help in bringing light to moderate rainfall over the Konkan coast.
Cyclone Biparjoy impact on railways in Gujarat
Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, said that 101 trains were cancelled, 42 trains were short-terminated, while 39 trains short-originated as a precautionary measure in view of safety of passengers and train operations with respect to the onset of Cyclone Biparjoy.
Secondary sanctions on foreign countries
The Polish, Ukrainian, and Lithuanian parliaments are urging the U.S. administration to impose secondary sanctions on foreign countries like China and India that are buying up large quantities of heavily discounted Russian oil and gas exports.
Bus collision in Manitoba, Canada
A bus carrying seniors to a casino collided with a semi-trailer truck at a highway intersection in a rural part of the Canadian province of Manitoba, killing 15 people and injuring 10 more, police said.
Conclusion:
The impact of Cyclone Biparjoy has been devastating, leading to loss of life and property in Gujarat state and many other regions. However, relief efforts have commenced, with restoration work in progress in Gujarat, and evacuation of citizens in Pakistan. The IMD has predicted moderate rainfall along the Konkan coast, which may help in the relief operations.
FAQ:
1) What was the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy?
The impact of Cyclone Biparjoy has been widespread, leading to loss of life, disruption of transport, and power outages in many regions, including Gujarat and Pakistan. Several trains were canceled, and more than 100,000 electricity poles were damaged.
2) What was the total loss caused by Cyclone Biparjoy?
The total loss caused by Cyclone Biparjoy has not been estimated yet. However, it has led to loss of life, and extensive damage to infrastructure, including power grids and buildings.
3) What steps have been taken to reduce the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy?
Several steps have been taken to reduce the impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, including evacuation of citizens, cancellation of trains, and restoration work. The IMD has also predicted moderate rainfall along the Konkan coast, which may help in the relief operations.
4) Is the Indian government providing any relief assistance for Cyclone Biparjoy?
Yes, the Indian government is providing relief assistance to those affected by Cyclone Biparjoy. Restoration work has already begun in Gujarat, and several relief measures have been initiated to help the citizens.
5) Will there be any long-term impact of Cyclone Biparjoy?
It is too early to tell about the long-term impact of Cyclone Biparjoy, but it has caused significant damage to the infrastructure, disrupted many businesses and caused loss of life. However, relief and restoration work has already begun, and efforts are being made to help the citizens affected by the cyclone.