Cyclone Biparjoy Changes Course, Targets Saurashtra, Kutch; Landfall Expected Tomorrow Evening

Cyclone Biparjoy, which intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm on June 11, is now projected to re-curve towards Gujarat's Kutch region and adjacent areas of south Pakistan. Although the cyclone has weakened slightly, it still poses a significant threat with storm surges, powerful winds, and heavy rainfall.

According to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Biparjoy has slowed down and is expected to change direction, moving northeastwards towards Saurashtra and Kutch. The landfall is predicted to occur near Jakhau Port on Thursday evening.

While the cyclone has experienced a slight reduction in intensity, it is expected to make landfall as a very severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds ranging from 125-135 kmph and gusts up to 145 kmph throughout Thursday.

Authorities have warned of storm surges reaching 2-3 meters above the astronomical tide, potentially leading to flooding in low-lying areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. As a precautionary measure, tourist movement in popular sites such as Gir, Somnath, and Dwarka has been restricted, and people are advised to seek safe shelter.

The impact of the cyclone may also be felt in parts of south Rajasthan and west Madhya Pradesh, with the possibility of rainfall and the development of thunder squalls in some areas, as stated by Mohapatra.

The strong winds associated with Biparjoy are expected to cause severe damage to thatched houses, extensive destruction to kutcha houses, and some damage to pucca houses.