MANDVI, India (AP) — An extensive region in western India and adjacent southern Pakistan, which experienced devastating floods in the previous year, is now preparing for another catastrophic event as Cyclone Biparjoy rapidly approaches landfall on Thursday.
Rainfall has already begun, and the skies are growing darker over western India and southern Pakistan along the Arabian Sea. Dusty storms are hindering the ongoing evacuation and rescue operations. Authorities anticipate deteriorating conditions for the next two to three days following the cyclone’s arrival in Gujarat, India.
As the cyclone neared, officials from both South Asian countries remained on high alert. The anticipated landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy near Jakhau port in India’s Kutch district raised concerns about potential flooding in the area. Similarly, in Pakistan, Keti Bandar, located in the flood-affected southern Sindh province, was also in the path of the cyclone.
In response to the situation, the government issued shutdown orders for Mandvi, a typically vibrant coastal town in India known for its wooden boat-makers. Consequently, the bazaars and beaches in Mandvi were deserted on Thursday as people complied with the government’s instructions.
In India, the evacuation efforts resulted in thousands of people being moved to relief camps, bringing the total number of displaced individuals to 75,000. Similarly, in Pakistan, Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, the chief of the National Disaster Management Authority, reported that 73,000 people had been evacuated to safer locations. Authorities in both countries are working diligently to provide shelter and food to the evacuees.
The disaster management agency stated on Thursday that Cyclone Biparjoy had sustained winds reaching up to 120 kph (approximately 75 mph). It was projected to make landfall in Pakistan’s Sindh province, which had previously been struck by a devastating flood last summer. During that event, the country witnessed the loss of at least 1,739 lives, with 33 million individuals displaced. The floods, triggered by climate-related factors, resulted in an estimated $30 billion in damages.
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On Thursday morning, authorities provided an update stating that Cyclone Biparjoy had slightly weakened, with a projected maximum sustained wind speed ranging from 115 kph to 125 kph (71 mph to 78 mph). The gusts were expected to reach up to 140 kph (87 mph), which represented a slight decrease compared to earlier forecasts.
According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the cyclone was rapidly approaching Jakhau port and was anticipated to make landfall on Thursday evening.
Similar to southern Pakistan, significant portions of coastal Gujarat have been enduring heavy rainfall and strong winds. Indian authorities have issued warnings, stating that the cyclone, categorized as a “very severe cyclonic storm,” possesses the potential to cause substantial damage upon landfall.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned that a storm surge of two-to-three meters (two-to-three yards) above the astronomical tide is expected to flood low-lying areas along the path of the cyclone. In certain locations, tides could rise as high as six meters (more than six yards).
Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel informed the Press Trust of India news agency that comprehensive preparations have been made to address post-cyclone tasks, including the restoration of electricity infrastructure, mobile networks, and other vital services.
As a precautionary measure, the government has announced the closure of major religious sites in coastal Gujarat, such as the Dwarkadhish temple in Devbhoomi Dwarka and the Somnath temple in Gir Somnath district, on Thursday.
According to a statement from the Indian railways, 76 train services have been canceled due to the cyclone.
Meanwhile, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was on an official visit to Azerbaijan on Thursday.
In a tweet posted the previous day, Sharif mentioned that the government had implemented all necessary measures to ensure the safety of those at risk in the southern Sindh province of Pakistan.
Pakistani Climate Minister Sherry Rehman assured the public that preparations had been made to handle any potential emergencies caused by heavy rains and strong winds in Karachi. She emphasized that the city, with a population of 20 million, was safe as the cyclone was not expected to make landfall there, contrary to earlier concerns.
However, a reporter from The Associated Press observed people evacuating to safer areas in vehicles, indicating that they had initially disregarded government warnings.
As of now, Pakistan has not made any appeals for assistance from the United Nations, although the situation is being monitored by the international organization. Local charities and aid agencies on both sides are providing assistance to those displaced by the cyclone.
Climate change is widely recognized as a contributing factor to the increasing number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea region, emphasizing the urgency of preparedness for natural disasters. Pakistan, despite contributing less than 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, ranks among the top 10 countries most affected by climate change.
A study conducted in 2021 revealed a significant rise in the frequency, duration, and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea between 1982 and 2019.
Past cyclonic events serve as reminders of the destructive potential of these storms. In 1998, a cyclone struck Gujarat state, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and extensive damage. Similarly, a cyclone that hit Sindh province and the city of Karachi in 1965 claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people.
These instances highlight the importance of understanding and addressing the impact of climate change on cyclone activity, as well as implementing effective measures for disaster management and mitigation.
