Cyclone Biparjoy hits parts of south Asia.
Cyclone Biparjoy _ a powerful and long-lived tropical cyclone that formed over the east-central Arabian Sea and made landfall near the India-Pakistan border in June 2023. The storm caused widespread damage and disruption in both countries, affecting millions of people and prompting mass evacuations. This report will provide an overview of the meteorological history, impacts, and response efforts of Cyclone Biparjoy.
Meteorological History
Cyclone Biparjoy originated from a low-pressure area that developed over the Arabian Sea on June 5, 2023, under favorable conditions of warm sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and enhanced monsoon flow. The system gradually intensified as it moved northwestward, becoming a depression on June 6 and a cyclonic storm later that day. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) assigned the name Biparjoy, meaning “double joy” in Bengali, to the storm.
Biparjoy continued to strengthen as it turned northward, reaching severe cyclonic storm status on June 7 and very severe cyclonic storm status on June 8. The storm developed a well-defined eye surrounded by a ring of deep convection, indicating rapid intensification. On June 9, Biparjoy reached its peak intensity as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, with maximum sustained winds of 165 km/h (105 mph) and minimum central pressure of 966 hPa (28.53 inHg), according to the IMD. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) estimated higher winds of 195 km/h (120 mph), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson hurricane wind scale.
Biparjoy maintained its peak intensity for about 12 hours as it approached the coast of Gujarat, India. However, increasing land interaction and dry air intrusion caused the storm to weaken slightly before making landfall near Jakhau Port in Kutch district around 22:00 UTC on June 9. The storm crossed into Pakistan shortly after landfall, where it further weakened due to frictional effects and unfavorable upper-level winds. Biparjoy degenerated into a deep depression on June 10 and dissipated over southeastern Pakistan on June 11.
Impacts
Cyclone Biparjoy was one of the strongest storms to hit the India-Pakistan border region in recent history, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and storm surges to both countries. The storm affected more than 10 million people across Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces, causing widespread damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods.
In India, Biparjoy caused seven deaths and 23 injuries, mostly due to falling trees, flying debris, and electrocution. The storm damaged or destroyed more than 10,000 houses, leaving thousands of people homeless or displaced. The storm also disrupted power supply, communication networks, road and rail transport, and water supply in many areas. The worst-hit districts were Kutch, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh, Porbandar, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, and Surat.
Biparjoy also brought heavy rainfall to parts of Maharashtra state, especially Mumbai city, where four boys drowned after being swept away by high waves along the coast. The storm caused flooding and waterlogging in several low-lying areas of the city, affecting traffic and public transport. The storm also damaged some fishing boats and nets along the coast.
In Pakistan, Biparjoy caused no deaths but injured at least 15 people due to roof collapses and flying objects. The storm damaged or destroyed more than 2,000 houses and huts in Sindh province, mainly in Thatta, Badin,