Islamabad: The Pakistan Met Office and the disaster management authority have issued alerts, warning that Cyclone Biparjoy is rapidly intensifying and is likely to impact coastal areas of Pakistan this week.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Sunday (June 11) that the cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea has further “intensified into an extremely severe cyclonic storm,” moving northward during the last 12 hours, hovering at a distance of only 760 kilometres (km) south of Karachi city and 740 km from Thatta. With maximum sustained surface winds of 150-160 km/h and gusts reaching 180 km/h, the cyclone has created phenomenal sea conditions, generating maximum wave heights of 35-40 feet.
Potential impact areas
Anticipated consequences of the cyclone include heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and high winds across the south and southeast Sindh, including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Mirpurkhas, during June 13-17. Structures vulnerable to strong winds may sustain damage, while storm surges and urban flooding along the coast are also expected. Thunderstorms with rain and winds of 60-80 km/h are also expected in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, and Mirpurkhas districts between June 13 and 16. Additionally, rough to very rough sea conditions, accompanied by intense squalls, will likely restrict fishermen from venturing into open waters.
“The cyclone is expected to impact southern and southeastern parts of Sindh on June 13,” the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in its June 11 statement. The NDMA spokesperson advised people to stay away from shorelines and especially urged fishermen to avoid boating into the open sea. In response to the impending threat, the NDMA is working closely with the PMD, the Sindh and Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMA), the Pakistan Navy, the Pakistan Maritime Security Authority (PMSA), and the Pakistan Coast Guards (PCG). They have issued advisories and guidelines to all relevant organizations, urging them to undertake proactive preparedness and mitigation measures. To keep the public informed, the NDMA is continuously monitoring the situation and sharing updates through its website and social media pages.
Ban on swimming, emergency rooms set up
The Karachi administration has banned beach entry, fishing, sailing, swimming, and bathing within the territorial limits of Karachi until the end of the storm. Despite these directives, a significant number of people have been observed at Karachi’s Seaview, defying the government’s instructions, according to local media reports. Karachi Commissioner Muhammad Iqbal Memon has directed the removal of all billboards and signboards across the city to prevent potential harm during the storm. Emergency control rooms have been established in multiple divisions, and the health services department has directed officials to review preparedness at healthcare facilities and ensure the availability of life-saving drugs and ambulance services.
Sindh Govt plans evacuation and other measures
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has assured the public that the provincial government is “fully prepared” to deal with the possible impact of the cyclone. Evacuation plans and safe areas have been identified for around 9,000 vulnerable families in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and other at-risk areas, he said. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also instructed the NDMA to collaborate with the Sindh government and take necessary emergency measures. The local Pakistani authorities are closely monitoring the situation and maintaining vigilance in coastal areas.
