Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has declared an emergency in the coastal districts of the province to make full preparations to avoid any human or material loss due to the threat of the incoming tropical cyclone.
Shah took the decision to this effect while chairing a meeting at CM House as the incoming tropical cyclone “Tauktae” in Southeast Arabian Sea could cause stormy weather conditions in the coastal strip of the province till May 20. Sea conditions will also remain rough during this period.
According to the latest weather update issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday, the very severe cyclonic storm lies at a distance of about 1210 kilometres south-southeast of Karachi.
While chairing the meeting, Shah directed Karachi’s administration to make fully functional the storm water drainage system in the city to avoid any catastrophe due to heavy rains.
He asked the Administrator and Commissioner of Karachi to remove advertising billboards and signboards due to forecast of gusty winds likely to blow as the result of the incoming cyclone.
He asked the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) to provide necessary de-watering machinery and standby power generators in sufficient number to the administration of the coastal districts to tackle any municipal emergency as heavy rainfall is expected in the coming few days.
Coastal areas
The CM advised the fishermen in the coastal areas of the province against venturing into sea for fishing due to the cyclone threat. Fishermen already in sea have been asked to immediately come back to the coast to ensure their safety.
He particularly directed the administration of District Tharparkar to make emergency arrangements as there is forecast of torrential rains in areas of the district under the influence of the cyclone.
He said the district administration should make alternative arrangements to accommodate people if in case they had to leave their homes due to stormy weather.
The Sindh government has also established a Central Control Room in Karachi with the telephone helpline number 1070 to remain functional round-the-clock to make emergency arrangements in the coastal districts to secure lives and public property against the threat of cyclone. The Control Room will coordinate with different agencies including the PDMA, Sindh Rangers, and Police to adopt safety precautions in this regard.
