<h5>What is a cyclone?</h5><p>A cyclone is a circular storm that arises over warm oceans. Cyclones are formed when warm air above the ocean rises. As the warm air rises, it forms a gap. More warm air rushes in to fill this space. The water in the air forms clouds as the warm air cools. The cloud spins due to the wind. With time it gains speed, and a cyclone is formed.</p><p>Cyclones, or tropical cyclones, are known by several names around the world. Those that form around North America and the Caribbean are known as hurricanes. Those that form near the Philippines, Japan, and China are named typhoons. Cyclones are those that form near Australia and the Indian Ocean.</p><p>Cyclones bring heavy rains and strong winds as they reach the land. Winds can do significant damage to buildings, trees, and any other objects in their path. Recently, warnings have been issued as Cyclone Biparjoy approaches India.</p><h5>When is this cyclone expected to reach India?</h5><p>Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to reach India today evening, on 15th June 2023. It will make landfall in Gujarat's Saurashtra and Kutch regions and along the shores of Pakistan. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an alert for nine states and union territories (UTs).</p><p>These states and UTs are Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Daman &amp; Diu, Lakshadweep, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. IMD also said that Gujarat would experience heavy to extremely heavy rains from the 14th to the 15th of June, 2023. Heavy rainfall is expected in parts of north Gujarat and south Rajasthan on 16th June 2023.</p><p>The government has already started taking precautions against this approaching cyclone.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/warnings-issued-as-cyclone-biparjoy-approaches%2FBiparjoy%202.jfif?alt=media&amp;token=51f1d08e-f303-446f-b16f-1ffd55c86260"><figcaption>Health Minister Mansukh L. Mandaviya checks out preparedness levels on Cyclone Biparjoy. Photo by PIB India.</figcaption></figure><h5>What precautions are being taken?</h5><p>Authorities in Gujarat moved 37,800 people from coastal districts to makeshift shelters on 13th June 2023. Several National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are prepared to help the citizens. The army is also ready to help with relief efforts.</p><figure class="image"><img src="https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/newsahoot.appspot.com/o/warnings-issued-as-cyclone-biparjoy-approaches%2FBiparjoy%203.jfif?alt=media&amp;token=0656fcde-1b3f-454b-ac36-0f76d46563d1"><figcaption>People moved to safer locations due to Cyclone Biparjoy. Photo by TRT World Now.</figcaption></figure><p>The Western Railway has taken precautionary measures to safeguard passengers. They have cancelled many trains so that no accidents happen due to the cyclone. Fishing operations have also been stopped. People who were out at sea have been asked to return to the shore by the IMD.</p><p>Union Minister Amit Shah has asked the Gujarat state government to move people along the coast to safe locations. The state government has also been asked to provide vital facilities like healthcare, drinking water, communication access, etc., to the people who would be affected by the cyclone.</p><h5>How can one protect themselves from cyclones?</h5><p>Before the cyclone lands, one must examine their house, fasten any loose tiles, and repair doors and windows. One must keep battery-powered torches nearby so that they come in handy during power cuts. One must also keep some dry food that can be stored for long periods in case of an emergency.</p><p>If a powerful cyclone is approaching, the government might ask you to evacuate. An emergency kit should also be prepared ahead of time. The government usually provides shelters. The path to those shelters must be memorised.</p><p>Let’s hope the people of the nine states and UTs don't face any harm from the approaching cyclone.</p>

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