A severe cyclone brought strong winds and heavy rain to the western state of Gujarat, India, resulting in uprooted trees and roofs being blown off houses. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported. The cyclone, named Biparjoy, which means ‘disaster’ or ‘calamity’ in Bengali language, made landfall near Jakhau, a port close to the Pakistan border. Over 180,000 people from both India and Pakistan were evacuated in the last few days prior to the cyclone’s arrival.
The India Meteorological Department forecasted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Gujarat and the neighbouring state of Rajasthan through Friday, while Pakistan’s weather department predicted moderate to heavy rain in the Hyderabad, Nooriabad and Thatta regions.
Biparjoy was classified as a category one storm, the least severe on a scale of one to five, and weakened after hitting land with a wind speed of 105 km per hour (65.24 miles per hour) to 115 kmph (136.7 mph). Local TV showed visuals of uprooted trees, people sheltering against strong winds and debris lying on the roads after the cyclone passed through.
Authorities had taken precautionary measures, including evacuating residents from low-lying areas and suspending fishing activity in the western coast of the country. The India Meteorological Department had warned people against venturing outside while also urging them to keep their mobile phones charged and monitor weather updates through local media.
The cyclone caused some damage, but the authorities’ efforts and the precautions taken helped to prevent any loss of life. The aftermath serves as a reminder for everyone to be prepared for natural disasters and to take necessary precautionary measures to stay safe.
