Arabian Sea: Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy tracking northward in the Arabian Sea as of June 10

Event

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy is tracking northward in the Arabia Sea as of June 10. As of 11:30 IST, the storm's center of circulation was approximately 846 km (526 miles) south of Karachi, Pakistan.

Forecast models indicate that the system will initially strengthen slightly as it tracks generally northward in the Arabian Sea June 10-11, before weakening as it continues to track northward late June 11-14, passing someway offshore of the coast of Gujrat State, India, June 12-14. Biparjoy is expected to weaken into a severe cyclonic storm on June 14 and will weaken further as it approaches the coast of Sindh Province, possibly making landfall around June 16. The storm's track and intensity forecast remains somewhat uncertain, and changes may occur over the coming hours and days.

As of June 10, the India Meteorological Department has warned of increasing strong winds and rough seas in coastal areas of Gujarat State June 10-15. Yellow thunderstorm, lightning, and strong wind warnings have been issued across Gujarat for June 10-15. Yellow thunderstorm and lightning warnings have also been issued across Rajasthan State for June 14-15, as well as yellow dust raising winds warnings for western Rajasthan.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department has advised fishermen not to venture out into the Arabia Sea from June 11 due to rough seas associated with Biparjoy. The department also warns that heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds are likely in coastal areas of Balochistan and Sindh province from late June 13.

Officials will likely issue new alerts or update/rescind existing advisories as the storm progresses.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. Localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible if weather conditions prove hazardous.

The inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary closures of ports are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters pose a serious health threat.

Advice

Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast adverse weather conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.

Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.

Resources

Joint Typhoon Warning Center
India Meteorological Department
Pakistan Meteorological Department