Cyclone Biparjoy disrupts flight operations in Mumbai, triggers chaos
What's the story
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) said heavy rains lashed several parts of Mumbai as the extremely severe cyclonic storm "Biparjoy" further intensified, affecting flight operations at the country's financial capital on Sunday evening.
Furthermore, at least four flights were redirected to other airports, triggering chaos amongst fliers as numerous flights were also delayed due to poor weather conditions.
Context
Why does this story matter?
This is the second cyclone to form in the North Indian Ocean in three weeks. Cyclone Mocha erupted in the Bay of Bengal and barreled into Bangladesh and Myanmar, wreaking havoc in May.
In 2021, Cyclone Yaas formed during the monsoon season.
Earlier, the IMD warned Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa that Cyclonic Biparjoy could cause heavy rains and strong winds in these coastal areas.
Details
Airlines release statement
Amid the flight delays and aviation chaos caused by Cyclone Biparjoy, airlines have started issuing statements regarding the closure of runways.
"Inclement weather conditions and the temporary closure of Runway 09/27 at the Mumbai Airport, in addition to other consequential factors beyond our control have resulted in delays and cancellation of some of our flights," tweeted Air India.
Twitter Post
Air India's Twitter post
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
— Air India (@airindia) June 11, 2023
Inclement weather conditions and the temporary closure of Runway 09/27 at the Mumbai airport, in addition to other consequential factors beyond our control have resulted in delays and cancellation of some of our flights. We regret the inconvenience caused…
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Fliers flag inconvenience to civil aviation minister on social media
Several panic-stricken fliers, who were stranded at the airport, also took to social media to complain about flight delays and cancellations.
Some passengers even took it a step further to flag their concerns and tagged Union Minister for Civil Aviation & Steel and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Jyotiraditya Scindia on Twitter to complain about the inconvenience they were facing.
Twitter Post
Here's what passengers stuck at Mumbai airport said
@JM_Scindia sir we are waiting more than 5 hours at Mumbai airport flight time was 11 pm but now due to unavailability of captain/pilot they are saying 4.40 am
— DURGESH TIWARI (@tiwaridurgesh89) June 11, 2023
Si this relavant they are not providing acomadation too. @DGCAIndia @IndiGo6E pic.twitter.com/KqlwVHQ78N
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IMD issues thunderstorm warning for coastal Maharashtra
Additionally, the weather office has forecast a "thunderstorm" caution for several districts in coastal Maharashtra.
"Thunderstorm accompanied with lightning and light to moderate spells of rain with gusty winds reaching 30-40 kmph very likely to occur at isolated places in the districts of Ratnagiri, Raigad, Thane, Palghar and Kolhapur during next 3-4 hours. Take precautions while moving out," stated the IMD.
Further information
Cyclone Biparjoy to cross between Mandvi, Karachi by Thursday
The weather office also predicted that Cyclone Biparjoy would cross between Gujarat's Mandvi and Pakistan's Karachi by Thursday afternoon.
As per Deendayal Port Authority officials in Kandla and Kutch, the evacuation of people from low-lying regions to temporary shelters is underway.
Authorities also added that six ships have already left to carry people to safety, and 11 more will leave on Monday.