The cyclone Biparjoy, currently located approximately 370km south-southwest of Karachi, has started changing its course moving in northeastward direction, but the government are bracing for its potential impact.
It is expected to make landfall on June 15 between Keti Bandar in Sindh and Kutch in Indian Gujarat.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department issued an alert stating that the cyclone’s maximum sustained surface winds are ranging between 150-160km/hour, with gusts reaching up to 180km/hour near the center of the system. Sea conditions in the vicinity of the cyclone are described as phenomenal, with maximum wave heights of up to 30 feet.
Under the influence of upper-level steering winds, the “very severe cyclonic storm” has started to change its course, moving in a north-northeastward direction. It is anticipated to cross between Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat coast on the evening of June 15, accompanied by winds of 100-120km/h.
The impact of the cyclone is expected to result in widespread wind, dust, thunderstorm, and heavy rainfall in several districts of Sindh, including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot from June 14-17. These areas may also experience squally winds blowing at 80-100km/h. Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts are likely to witness dust, thunderstorms, rain, and occasional heavy falls with squally winds of 60-80km/h during the same period. Balochistan’s Hub and Lasbela districts could also experience dust, thunderstorm, rain, and isolated heavy falls.
Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir issued a warning about temporary declines in RLNG-based electricity generation and a potential increase in load-shedding due to the cyclone disrupting RLNG shipping to Pakistan.
He said efforts ware being made to ensure full fuel supplies to K-Electric to maintain regular electricity supply to the citizens of Karachi.
The government has taken necessary measures to cope with the cyclone’s impact, and Dastgir announced his visit to Karachi to monitor the situation closely.
Five power distribution companies have been activated to provide support for power restoration, and additional employees are being dispatched to the coastal areas.
Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman urged people to take the cyclone seriously and cooperate with authorities. She emphasized the importance of public safety and warned against engaging in “disaster tourism” or going to the beach to witness the storm.
Evacuations have been carried out, and relief camps have been set up to accommodate those affected.
The cyclone’s landfall is projected to occur between Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat coast, with potential impacts reaching beyond the initially predicted areas.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is prepared for a potential second-stage relocation if more areas are affected. Rehman urged citizens to secure their belongings, including solar panels, and advised against leaving pets, livestock, and people outside.
Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said a total of 67,367 people had been evacuated from “vulnerable areas”.
