Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ has a large destructive potential and is expected to hit the Gujarat districts of Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka, and Jamnagar the hardest, according to the India Meteorological Department on Tuesday.
Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to cross the Saurashtra and Kutch beaches around Jakhau Port on June 15 as a’very severe cyclonic storm’ with maximum sustained winds of 125-135 kmph gusting to 150 kmph.
“Its damaging potential could be extensive,” IMD chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said at a press conference.
The cyclone could lead to extremely heavy rainfall (over 20 cm) at isolated places in Kutch, Devbhoomi Dwarka and Jamnagar districts on June 15.
“Usually these areas do not receive such massive rainfall. Therefore, it can lead to flooding in low-lying areas,” he said.
Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and Junagarh may receive heavy to very heavy rainfall. Winds gusting up to 145 kilometers are predicted to batter these districts.
“Tidal waves reaching heights of up to six metres could inundate low-lying coastal areas of Saurashtra and Kutch. Evacuation measures have been recommended, and authorities are taking prompt action,” Mohapatra said.