As Cyclone Biparjoy moves closer to making landfall in Gujarat’s Kutch region, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the coastal areas. Social media platforms are abuzz with videos showcasing the cyclone’s early impact on the local ecology.
One viral video from Ganpatipule, a coastal town in Maharashtra’s Ratnagiri district, captures the startling scene as the sea violently swells, catching beachgoers off guard. Oblivious to the impending danger, people can be seen enjoying their day at the beach before being engulfed by the surging tides. Some are dragged into the sea by the strong current, while others scramble to safety as water floods the beach and shops.
Flight operations at Mumbai airport have already been affected, with the main runway temporarily shut down due to adverse weather conditions caused by Cyclone Biparjoy. Passengers had to endure several hours of delay on Sunday night. Maharashtra experienced moderate rainfall and high tide waves as the cyclone approached.
Experts have observed that the cyclone underwent rapid intensification twice since its formation on June 7. Consequently, fishing has been banned along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu until June 15. Initially predicted to have peak wind speeds of around 55 kilometers per hour (kmph), updated reports now suggest that the cyclone’s harsh weather conditions could increase the wind speed to 160 kmph in the next few days.
VIT Vellore Witnesses Intense Convective cyclone as Monsoon Season Begins
Vellore experienced one of the most intense storms of the season, bringing much-needed rainfall to the region. The Vellore observatory recorded 55 mm of rainfall until 5:30 pm, providing relief from the scorching heat but a tense situation because of the storm.
The cyclonic weather conditions were captured in video, showing the power of the storm. Some of the videos from VIT (Vellore Institute of Technology) show how some youths were pushing aside by the strong winds.
The Tiruvallur belt also witnessed the formation of several storms as the sea breeze passed through the area. These storms brought further precipitation and added to the overall rainfall in the region. The weather forecast predicts that Valparai, a hill station in Tamil Nadu, will receive heavy rains as the monsoon season officially begins. This is just the beginning for Kerala as well, as a promising monsoon lies ahead.
The upcoming days are expected to bring more rainfall and cooler temperatures, bringing relief to the people from the summer heat. Looking ahead, intense storms are predicted to move from Kancheepuram to Maraimalainagar, Chengalpet, and to the East Coast Road (ECR) on June 8.
Cyclone Biparjoy, a powerful weather system, is currently heading towards the western coast of India, specifically the Kutch region of Gujarat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an orange alert for the coastal areas, indicating a high level of caution. The cyclone has already started to impact the local ecology, with videos circulating on social media platforms showcasing its effects.
The impact of Cyclone Biparjoy is not limited to Maharashtra alone. It has already disrupted flight operations at Mumbai’s airport, resulting in the temporary closure of the main runway due to adverse weather conditions. Passengers had to endure long delays and wait for several hours on Sunday night. Additionally, the cyclone has brought moderate rainfall and high tide waves to parts of Maharashtra.
Experts have noted that Cyclone Biparjoy has undergone rapid intensification on two occasions since its formation on June 7. As a result, fishing activities have been prohibited along the coasts of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu until June 15. Initial reports suggested that the cyclone’s wind speed might peak around 55 kilometers per hour (kmph). However, updated forecasts indicate that the severe weather conditions may cause the wind speed to escalate to 160 kmph within the next few days.
In light of these developments, the IMD has issued a statement advising state governments to closely monitor the situation and take appropriate precautionary measures. They have highlighted the potential for significant damage to houses, disruption of railways, power lines, and signaling systems once Cyclone Biparjoy makes landfall in Gujarat. Authorities are urged to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of residents in the affected areas.
While the cyclone may weaken slightly before reaching Gujarat, it remains a cause for concern due to its destructive potential. The Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre has emphasized the need for caution and preparedness to minimize the impact of the storm. As the situation unfolds, residents and local authorities are bracing themselves for the arrival of Cyclone Biparjoy and its potential consequences.
