Deep Depression Remnant of Cyclonic Storm ‘Biparjoy’ Hits Southwest Rajasthan and Adjoining Gujarat

The remnants of Cyclonic Storm ‘Biparjoy’ have transformed into a deep depression, impacting Southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat, as well as Southeast Pakistan. Moving at a speed of 17 kmph over the past six hours, the depression currently centers over Southwest Rajasthan and adjoining Gujarat.

The depression is expected to continue its east-northeastward movement and gradually weaken into a depression within the next six hours. It will likely maintain its intensity as a depression until the forenoon of June 18.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided a forecast track and intensity for the depression. The predicted positions and maximum sustained surface wind speeds are as follows:

• June 17, 2023, 11:30 IST: 25.3°N / 71.9°E, with wind speeds of 50-60 kmph, gusting to 70 kmph (Deep Depression)
• June 17, 2023, 17:30 IST: 25.6°N / 72.4°E, with wind speeds of 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph (Depression)
• June 17, 2023, 23:30 IST: 25.9°N / 73.0°E, with wind speeds of 40-50 kmph, gusting to 60 kmph (Depression)
• June 18, 2023, 05:30 IST: 26.2°N / 73.8°E, with wind speeds of 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph (Depression)

The IMD has also issued warnings related to heavy rainfall and wind speeds. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is expected at most places in south Rajasthan, with isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall over the adjoining north Gujarat region and Kutch on June 17. Wind speeds reaching 45-55 kmph, gusting to 65 kmph, are anticipated in south Rajasthan and adjoining north Gujarat until the night of June 17, gradually decreasing to 35-45 kmph, gusting to 55 kmph by the morning of June 18.

The IMD has cautioned about potential damage in Kachchh and North Saurashtra districts over the next six hours, including minor damage to unsecured structures, breaches in kutcha roads due to flooding, damage to banana trees and coastal agriculture from salt spray, and damage to ripe paddy crops and kutcha embankments.

Observations reveal heavy rainfall in Gujarat and Rajasthan on June 17, 2023. Notable rainfall measurements include Okha (dist. Devbhoomi Dwarka) with 23 cm, Anjar (dist. Kutch) with 22 cm, and Mt. Abu (Sirohi) with 21 cm.