Cyclone Biparjoy: India Issues Alerts

Cyclone Biparjoy is a low-pressure area that is currently forming over the Southeast Arabian Sea. It is expected to intensify into a depression in the next 48 hours and may reach cyclonic storm intensity in the subsequent 72 hours. The track of the cyclone is not yet clear, but it is likely to move towards the West Coast of India. Cyclone Biparjoy is the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea this season. The monsoon season in India typically begins in June and lasts until September.

The cyclone is expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the West Coast of India. The heaviest rains are expected to fall in the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Karnataka. The strong winds could cause power outages and damage to property. People in the affected areas are advised to take precautions and stay safe.

How Cyclone Biparjoy got its name?

The name Biparjoy was given to the cyclone by Bangladesh. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) names tropical cyclones in alphabetical order according to the names submitted by member countries. Bangladesh submitted the name Biparjoy, which means “Disaster” in Bengali.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is closely monitoring the cyclone and will issue advisories as needed. Residents of coastal areas are advised to be prepared for possible flooding and other impacts from the cyclone.

Here are some of the possible impacts of Cyclone Biparjoy:

Heavy rainfall
Strong winds
Storm surge
Flooding
Landslides
Power outages
Communication disruptions
Damage to property and infrastructure

Possible route for Cyclone Biparjoy

As of June 6, 2023, Cyclone Biparjoy is a low-pressure area over the southeast Arabian Sea. It is expected to intensify into a depression by June 8 and a cyclone by June 9. The cyclone is forecast to move northwards along the west coast of India and make landfall in Gujarat on June 10. After landfall, the cyclone is expected to weaken and move into Pakistan.

The following is a possible route for Cyclone Biparjoy

June 8: Low-pressure area intensifies into a depression over the southeast Arabian Sea.
June 9: Depression intensifies into a cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea.
June 10: Cyclone makes landfall in Gujarat.
June 11: Cyclone weakens and moves into Pakistan.

How IMD decide cyclone named?

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) decides cyclone names in a collaborative effort with other countries in the region. Each country in the region submits a list of 13 names, and the names are then rotated through a pre-determined schedule. The names are chosen to be short, easy to pronounce, and gender-neutral. They are also chosen to be culturally sensitive and not offensive to any group of people.

The IMD uses a six-year cycle for its list of cyclone names. Once a name is used, it is retired and cannot be used again. The current list of cyclone names for the North Indian Ocean is as follows: