Biporjoy only cyclone making strong landfall in Gujarat since 1965

Cyclone Biporjoy has had an extraordinary impact on the state of Gujarat as it becomes the only cyclone to make strong landfall in the region since 1965. The severe weather event has broken a 58-year record, leaving a lasting impression on the seaside.

Biparjoy only third 'extremely severe

Cyclone Biparjoy is about to make landfall in Saurashtra-Kutch, Gujarat in a notable event for the month of June. This will be only the fifth "severe" or higher category cyclone to hit Gujarat, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Furthermore, data spanning from 1965 to 2022 reveals that Biparjoy is only the third "extremely severe" cyclone to develop in the Arabian Sea during June in the last 58 years.

With winds ranging from 90 to 119 km/h, Cyclone Biparjoy is classified as "extremely severe." The IMD predicts it will make landfall between the Saurashtra-Kutch region of Gujarat and Pakistan near the port of Jakhau as a "very severe" cyclone, reaching top wind speeds of 125-135 km/h.

As of the last update, Biparjoy was located 320 km south-southwest of Porbandar, 360 km south-southwest of Dwaraka, 440 km south of Jakhau Port, 440 km south-southwest of Naliya and 620 km south of Karachi, Pakistan.

Higher category made landfall in Gujarat

Historical data shows that since 1891, only five cyclones of the "severe" or higher category made landfall in Gujarat in June, and all occurred after 1900. Of the 16 depressions and cyclones that formed in the Arabian Sea over the past 132 years, Gujarat has experienced its impact.

In particular, a "severe" cyclone made landfall near Diu on June 18, 1996, and another "extremely severe" cyclone crossed near Porbandar on June 9, 1998, with maximum wind speeds of 100 km/h and 166km/h, respectively.

Cyclone Biparjoy stands out for its intensity and movement in the sea during the last week. The North Indian Ocean Basin typically witnesses the highest cyclogenesis in May and November. However, June, being the start month of the southwest monsoon, is generally less conducive to cyclone development due to the prevalence of monsoonal winds. Therefore, the training and trajectory of Biparjoy make it a unique event in this context.

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