CYCLONE BIPARJOY killed two people, knocked out power and threw shipping containers into the sea in western India today before weakening as it headed towards Pakistan, officials said.

More than 180,000 people took shelter in the two countries, some relocated to relief camps.

Indian officials said electricity has been restored in some villages, while many others were still without power.

A man and his son died when they tried to save their livestock in Gujarat state.

More than 23 people were injured in various parts of western India.

The storm raced up to 65mph through the coastal regions of western Gujarat, uprooting trees and electricity poles.

Officials in the coastal town of Mandvi said that heavy winds threw some shipping containers into the sea at Mundra Port, one of India’s largest.

Pakistanis were especially on alert after deadly flooding last year in Singh, partly induced by climate change.

People in that region lined up to receive food donated by charities, aid agencies and local authorities.

Pakistan will decide tomorrow whether displaced people can be allowed to go back.

“The storm is expected to weaken first to a cyclonic storm and then to a depression by this evening,” a government statement said.

Shakir Din, a fisherman in the coastal town of Badin, said that his family and neighbours may soon return home.

The Indian Meteorological Department said that Cyclone Biporjoy set a record for the longest lifespan over the Arabian Sea, more than 10 days.

A 2021 study found that the frequency, duration and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea increased significantly between 1982 and 2019.

And experts say the increase will continue, making preparations for natural disasters more urgent.