On Monday, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced that Cyclone Biparjoy had moved within a range of approximately 600 kilometers of Karachi. The Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS) Biparjoy was reported to be over the east-central Arabian Sea, located near Latitude 19.5°N & Longitude 67.7°E. The alert issued by the PMD emphasized that the storm had maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 160-180km/h, with gusts of up to 200km/h around its center. Sea conditions were described as phenomenal, with wave heights reaching 35-40 feet.
The PMD further explained that favorable environmental conditions, including high sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence, were contributing to the system’s sustained intensity. The cyclone was projected to move northward until the morning of June 14, following which it would recurve northeastward. On June 15 afternoon, the storm was expected to cross between Keti Bandar in Southeast Sindh and the Indian Gujarat coast as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).
In response to the impending cyclone, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) urged citizens to remain vigilant, highlighting that the evolving situation and impact of the storm would become clearer with further development of the weather system. The NDMA cautioned people to stay away from shorelines and advised fisherfolk to avoid venturing into the open sea until June 17 due to the expected rough sea conditions and high tides along the coast.
The Sindh government initiated evacuations in coastal areas as a precautionary measure. Thousands of people residing in villages near the coast, particularly in districts such as Badin, Sujawal, and Thatta, were relocated to safer locations. The district administration, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, set up camps to accommodate displaced families. Residents expressed concerns about the approaching cyclone and the potential damage it could cause to their homes and livelihoods.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah conducted an aerial inspection of the coastline and instructed district administrations to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of residents. The chief minister highlighted the risk to weak structures, particularly mud houses, due to the high-speed winds associated with the cyclone. Evacuation efforts were intensified, with plans to relocate over 60,000 people residing in villages near Shah Bandar, Jati, and Keti Bandar.
Authorities emphasized the need for preparedness, directing health departments, the PDMA, and local administrations to ensure the availability of emergency facilities. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates and actions will be provided by the relevant authorities as the cyclone progresses towards the coast.
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