In response to the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) classification of Bioarjoy as an “extremely severe cyclonic storm”, the Sindh government has declared an emergency and initiated evacuations along the costal line in the province.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that over 80,000 people were at risk and help of the army may be sought in relocation of the people at risk.
The Pakistan Metrological Deparment has issued a fresh advisory stating that the cyclone has moved further northward and is currently about 600km south of Karachi, 580km south of Thatta, and 710km southeast of Ormara.
Already, around 2,000 individuals from the fishing town of Shah Bandar, located 45km (28 miles) west of India’s Gujarat state, have been evacuated to safe areas.
The meteorological department predicted that the cyclone would continue to track northward until June 14, after which it would recurve northeastward and made a landfall as a “very severe cyclonic storm” between Keti Bandar in southeast Sindh and the Indian Gujrat coast on June 15.
The cyclone is accompanied by maximum sustained surface winds of 160-180km per hour, with gusts reaching up to 200km/h near the center. Sea conditions are described as phenomenal, with maximum wave heights of 35-40 feet.
The PMD has warned of the likelihood of widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with heavy falls and squally winds of 80-100km/hour in various districts, including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, and Umerkot, from June 13 to 17. Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts are expected to experience dust/thunderstorm-rain with heavy falls and squally winds of 60-80km/h from June 14 to 16.
To mitigate the impact of the cyclone, the Sindh Chief Minister emphasized the need during a press conference for preparedness. He also hinted at an expected cloudburst.
Measures such as removing billboards, halting construction work (especially after June 14), and evacuating people from vulnerable buildings are being implemented. Additionally, essential equipment, including water-pumping machines, will be stationed at various locations in Karachi, and emergency teams from Rescue 1122 will be deployed to handle potential emergencies.
In light of the approaching cyclone, Karachi South Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Syed Asad Raza announced the closure of Seaview Road for traffic.
While there is no ban on visiting Seaview, restrictions have been imposed on activities like swimming and fishing in the open sea. The District South police have set up multiple checkpoints along Seaview and other beach access roads to ensure public safety.
Authorities in Balochistan have also taken preventive measures, with Chief Minister Abdul Qudoos Bizenjo issuing instructions to impose Section 144 in the province’s coastal belt.
Leaves for relevant department employees have been canceled, hospitals are on high alert, and commissioners in Makran and Kalat have been directed to monitor the situation and stay in contact with fishermen.
