If one has to gauge how far we have come in terms of weather forecasts based on scientifically based observations, we have one prime example of the current cyclonic storm Biparjoy, that is currently looming over India and Pakistan.
Biparjoy was a powerful tropical cyclone that formed over the east-central Arabian Sea. The third depression and the second cyclonic storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Biparjoy originated from a depression that was first noted by the India Meteorological Department on 6 June, before intensifying into a cyclonic storm. The cyclone steadily weakened due to deep flaring convection.
Biparjoy accelerated northeastward, strengthening to a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone and an extremely severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone made landfall in Naliya, India on June 16. Biparjoy was downgraded to a depression, and further into a well-marked low-pressure area late on 19 June. Biparjoy means ‘calamity’ in Bengali language. On June 12, the IMD issued alerts to local authorities in Gujarat, encouraging them to prepare for possible evacuations.
Residents in coastal areas were warned to stay indoors as the storm approached. Gujarat’s government responded by dispatching national and state disaster response teams to the affected areas. The evacuation of over a lakh people to shelter homes within three days before Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall in Gujarat indicated good coordination between the state and central governments and minimised damage. It is pleasantly surprising to note that no deaths have been reported till now because of the cyclone.
Further this goes on to show the extreme preparedness of the central government as well as the state governments which minimised the impact. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took stock of the situation himself and directed the actions that should be taken. He also gave guidance to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, as the two set what can be called the best example of disaster management.
If today the entire country is relieved that the coastal areas of Gujarat have been spared from a major natural calamity without suffering much damage, we have to give the due credit to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his team which saw this threat off. With monitoring and forecasting becoming more scientific as the time goes by, it is now possible to anticipate natural disasters and make necessary preparations. As soon as the cyclone warning was issued, the state administration started preparations for this, and as soon a disaster passed, it was able to enter the scene on a war footing.
Every natural calamity reminds the nation that natural calamities should not be resented, but should be seen as a challenge to overcome. Few decades ago, the Andhra coast was regularly hit by devastating cyclones during the months of October-November. Thousands of coastal residents lives in them. Later, experts found ways to save people from these cyclones. One may agree or differ in the political ideology one have, but a gigantic effort like this requires that all citizens stand up and applaud this proactiveness from the centre government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
