Cyclone Biparjoy: IMD warns of flood, power disruption; trains cancelled
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has sounded a storm surge warning for the coastal areas of Gujarat in view of very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, saying it is likely to inundate the low-lying areas of Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar and Morbi districts. While Biparjoy lost some of its intensity to become a very severe cyclone, experts warned that it could pick up the pace again and cause colossal devastation in Gujarat by triggering gigantic storm surges. Cyclone Biparjoy has moved closer to the Indian shores as it prepares for a landfall on June 15.
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-What measures have been taken to protect the coastal regions?
As Biparjoy prepares to make landfall between Gujarat's Mandvi and Pakistan's port city of Karachi on June 15, the Met department said total destruction of thatched houses and extensive damage to kutcha houses are expected in Kachchh, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Morbi, Junagarh and Rajkot districts. The very severe cyclonic storm can uproot power and communication poles in these areas and disrupt railways and damage standing crops, plantations and orchards.
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-Where exactly is the cyclone expected to make landfall?
Cyclone 'Biparjoy' (pronounced as "Biporjoy") lay centred over the Northeast Arabian Sea about 290 km southwest of Gujarat's Jakhau Port, 300 km west-southwest of Devbhumi Dwarka, 310 km west-southwest of Naliya, 350 km west of Porbandar, and 370 km south-southwest of Karachi, Pakistan. The very severe cyclonic storm is likely to move nearly north-northeastwards and cross Saurashtra and Kutch and adjoining Pakistan coasts between Mandvi and Karachi near Jakhau Port by June 15 evening with a maximum sustained wind speed of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.
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-What are the wind speeds expected during the cyclone?
Around 95 trains running through, originating or terminating in coastal areas of Gujarat will remain cancelled or short-terminated till June 15, according to Western Railway.
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