Cyclone Biparjoy

Cyclone Biparjoy was a strong tropical cyclone that formed in the Arabian Sea in June 2023. It was the third depression and the second cyclonic storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The name “Biparjoy” means “calamity” in Bengali. 

The cyclone made landfall in Naliya, Gujarat on June 16, causing heavy rains, strong winds, and damage in India and Pakistan. It lasted for 13 days and 3 hours, making it the longest-lasting cyclonic storm in the northern Indian Ocean since 1977.

Formation and Track

Cyclone Biparjoy originated from a low-pressure area that formed over the Arabian Sea on June 5. It developed under favourable conditions of low vertical wind shear and high sea surface temperatures. It intensified into a depression on June 6 and then became a cyclonic storm on June 7, moving west-northwestward. 

On June 12, it reached its peak intensity as an extremely severe cyclonic storm with maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (120 mph) and a minimum central pressure of 945 hPa (27.91 inHg). It then turned northeastward due to a mid-latitude trough and a subtropical ridge. 

On June 16, it weakened slightly and made landfall near Naliya, Gujarat, with winds of 165 km/h (105 mph) and a pressure of 966 hPa (28.53 inHg). It rapidly weakened over land, becoming a depression on June 17 and a low-pressure area on June 19 before dissipating over Rajasthan.

Impacts and Response

Cyclone Biparjoy caused heavy rains, strong winds, storm surge, flooding, and landslides in India and Pakistan. In India, it damaged houses, crops, roads, power lines, and communication networks in Gujarat and Rajasthan. 

It also disrupted train services and flights in the region. The cyclone resulted in the loss of 17 lives and injured 23 people in India. More than 4,600 villages experienced power outages, and around 200,000 people were evacuated from coastal areas of Gujarat before the landfall. In Pakistan, it led to coastal inundation and flooding in Sindh province. 

Approximately 81,000 people were evacuated from the southeast coast of Pakistan before the cyclone, and fortunately, no casualties were reported.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued timely warnings and alerts to local authorities and the public. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and the Indian Coast Guard were deployed for rescue and relief operations in India. 

In Pakistan, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA), and the Pakistan Navy coordinated evacuation and relief efforts. The fishermen were also rescued from the sea.

Analysis and Lessons Learned

Cyclone Biparjoy was a rare and unusual cyclone in terms of its formation, track, intensity, duration, and impact. It formed in a region where cyclones are not common, especially in June. Its complex track was challenging to predict due to multiple steering factors. 

The cyclone reached a high intensity rarely seen in the Arabian Sea and lasted for a long time over water and land, maintaining its structure and strength. It affected two countries with different levels of exposure, vulnerability, and resilience to cyclones. It posed various hazards such as wind, rain, surge, flood, and landslide, requiring different preparedness and response measures.