Cyclone Biparjoy Hits Gujarat Coast, Downgrades to Cyclonic Storm

Ahmedabad, Jun 16: Cyclone Biparjoy, initially classified as a “very severe” storm, has weakened to a “severe” cyclonic storm after making landfall along the coastal areas of Gujarat, according to officials on Friday. The cyclone has shifted northeastwards and is expected to further downgrade into a depression over south Rajasthan by the evening. Biparjoy caused widespread damage, including uprooted trees, electricity outages, and flooding in low-lying areas. Relief and rescue operations are underway, with teams from various disaster response forces deployed in affected districts. The chief minister, Bhupendra Patel, reviewed the situation and expressed concern for the safety of wildlife, including the lions in the Gir Forest.