More than 100,000 individuals who sought refuge in relief camps in western India during Cyclone Biparjoy are now beginning to make their way back home, as the storm has weakened, as per the authorities’ statement.
Relief in Jakhau: A Coastal Village
In the coastal village of Jakhau, situated in India’s Gujarat state, the cyclone made landfall on Thursday, causing over 130 people to relocate from a government-run shelter back to their homes by midday on Saturday. While electricity has been restored in many areas, approximately 1,500 villages still remain without power. The cyclone’s landfall resulted in the uprooting of trees and electricity poles in hundreds of villages along Gujarat’s coastal regions.
A Lesser Impact than Feared
Amad, a trader who rents boats to fishermen in Jakhau, shared his relief, saying, “It was a very frightening experience, and we expected significant damage. But fortunately, nature’s fury was somewhat milder than what we had anticipated.” The village, aside from the uprooted trees, electricity poles, and minor damage to some homes, did not experience major devastation.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Kamal Dayani, Gujarat’s revenue secretary, reassured the public, stating, “Our teams are actively working on the ground to restore electricity supply and provide clean drinking water. The repair of damaged roads and other physical infrastructure is also being prioritized.” The restoration efforts are underway to ensure the region’s swift recovery from the aftermath of Cyclone Biparjoy.
Weakening of the Cyclone
With wind speeds of 85kph (53mph) and gusts of up to 105kph (65mph) in Gujarat’s coastal areas, the cyclone gradually weakened to a deep depression, as reported by the India Meteorological Department on early Saturday. The cyclone is expected to further weaken in the next 12 hours.
Assessing the Damage
The complete extent of the damage caused by Cyclone Biparjoy in Gujarat is yet to be determined. The authorities are diligently working to evaluate the impact and provide necessary assistance to the affected areas.
With the cyclone’s intensity decreasing and people gradually returning home, the affected regions are on the path to recovery. Efforts are being made to restore vital services and infrastructure, ensuring a swift return to normalcy for the affected communities.