Cyclone Biparjoy inches closer to landfall; How much devastation will it cause?

Why you're reing this:  India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Cyclone 'Biparjoy' which is expected to make landfall near Jakhau Port in Gujarat's Kutch district today (June 15). 'very severe cyclonic storm' (VSCS) is likely to cause potential damages in Gujarat coastal regions. disaster management authorities are deployed on ground to conduct swift rescue and relief operations. So far, more than 74,000 people near coastal regions have been shifted to temporary shelters as part of government's precautionary measure. 

3 things you need to know: 

1. Cyclone Biparjoy will make landfall in Gujarat today with maximum wind speed reaching up to 150 kilometres per hour. 
2. Cyclone Biparjoy has 'extensive damaging potential' after landfall. 
3. effect of a 'very severe cyclonic storm' will be maximum from 4 to 8 pm today in Gujarat coastal regions.

Cyclone Biparjoy: Potential damages

Cyclone Biparjoy, which is about 170km west-southwest of Jakhau Port and 210km West of Devbhumi Dwarka in Gujarat, has 'extensive damaging potential,' according to IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.  cyclone could le to extremely heavy rainfall of over 20 cm at isolated places in Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Jamnagar and Porbandar districts on June 15, IMD director ded. People in most vulnerable areas have been asked to take precautionary measures as mammoth cyclonic storm can cause severe damage due to strong winds, thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. 

Expected damages due to Cyclone Biparjoy

• Thatched and kutcha houses along Gujarat coastal regions are likely to face massive destruction due to strong winds.
• uprooting of trees, communication poles and power lines is expected. 
• People in high-risk areas should take safety measures to shield mselves from flying objects.
• Railway services have alrey been disrupted due to possible failure of overhe power lines and signalling system. 
• Farmers are also likely to suffer in aftermath of cyclone due to expected damage to ir standing crops and plantations. 

India gears up to combat cyclone threats 

rescue agencies along with Navy, Air Force, Army and paramilitary forces have ensured swift rescue and relief operations in affected areas. "Teams are taking stock of low-lying areas. Relief work is underway. Its (Cyclone Biparjoy) effect will be maximum till 4-8 pm," said Anupam, Deputy Commandant, NDRF, Gandhinagar. 

Coming to forefront for rescue operations, Indian Navy has positioned four ships equipped with Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HR) bricks which can be deployed quickly on notice. Furrmore, several helicopters stationed at INS Hansa, an Indian naval air station in Goa, remain on standby for immediate transportation service to Gujarat once situation arises out of Cyclone Biparjoy's landfall. 

What does landfall mean? 

US National Hurricane Center suggests that a landfall takes place at intersection of centre of a tropical cyclone with a coastline. In or words, landfall takes place when eye of cyclone moves to land after significant disruptions in sea. Landfall often influences sea level and brings strong winds and rainfall that pose a great threat to human life.