Cyclone Biparjoy weakens into deep depression tonight, says IMD

In its weather bulletin, IMD said, "Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy over Saurashtra and Kutch moved nearly northeastward with a speed of 13 kilometres per hour during past six hours and lay centered about 20 kilometres west of Dholavira and 80 kilometres north-northeast of Bhuj."

According to the weather department, it is very likely to move nearly northeast wards and light to moderate rainfall at most places with heavy to very heavy rainfall at a few places and extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places are expected over Saurashtra and Kutch.

"Isolated heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected over north Gujarat region and south Rajasthan today and tomorrow," it said.

IMD said gale wind speed reaching 70 to 80 kilometres per hour and gusting to 90 kilometres per hour is likely to prevail over Kachchh, Gulf of Kutch and adjoining areas.

The cyclonic storm, following its landfall, left a trail of destruction as it damaged 5,120 electricity poles and rendered 4,600 villages without power even as the authorities said that no loss of human life has been reported.

Cyclone Biparjoy, which lashed the Kutch-Saurashtra region, has moved towards Rajasthan with several areas of Jalore and Barmer districts witnessing heavy rain on Friday.

The cyclone will weaken and move further over Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Pali, and Sirohi where very heavy rainfall is likely, the official said.

The IMD has sounded a “red” alert for Jalore and Barmer as more than 200 mm of rainfall may occur in the areas.

It is likely to become squally wind speed reaching 50 to 60 kilometers per hour and gusting to 70 kilometres per hour from Friday evening till midnight.

The weather agency has asked for a total suspension of fishing operations over the northeast and adjoining east central Arabian Sea. It urged for judicious regulation of offshore and onshore activities.