Cyclone Biparjoy Alert: Precautions Urged by Authorities around Coastal Areas of Pakistan and India

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The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning regarding Cyclone Biparjoy, which is expected to intensify and reach the coastal areas of Pakistan and India.

The cyclone poses a significant threat of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and potential flooding in the affected regions.

Authorities have urged the public to stay away from shorelines and follow the guidance of local authorities in case of emergency situations.

NDMA Urges Public to Stay Away from Shorelines:

The NDMA has cautioned the public to avoid shorelines as Cyclone Biparjoy approaches.

It is predicted to impact the southern and southeastern parts of Sindh on June 13.

The agency has emphasized the risks associated with cyclones, including strong winds, torrential rains, and coastal floods.

People are advised to stay updated on weather conditions and refrain from going to the beach. Fishermen are also urged to avoid venturing into the open sea.

#NEOC Update:Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm #BiparjoyCyclone
Dev path based on intl weather models is for proactive measures against likely impacts. It's evolving sit & impact will only be certain w/ further devplt of sys.
Source:(Disaster Aware, Windy:ECMWF model, Zoom Earth) pic.twitter.com/hZoMkB0m7B

— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 11, 2023

Karachi Authorities Implement Restrictions:

To mitigate the risks associated with the cyclone, the Karachi commissioner has banned entry to beaches, fishing, sailing, swimming, and bathing within Karachi's territorial limits.

Despite these directives, a significant number of people were observed at Karachi's Seaview disregarding the government's instructions.

The police and Defense House Authority are working to prevent people from accessing the sea.

PMD's Official Statement on Biparjoy Becoming More Severe:

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), Cyclone Biparjoy has further intensified into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm."

It is currently located approximately 760km south of Karachi, 740km south of Thatta, and 840km southeast of Ormara.

The cyclone is expected to track further northward until June 14 morning and then recurve northeastward, crossing between Keti Bandar (southeast Sindh) and the Indian Gujarat coast on June 15 as a "very severe cyclonic storm."

The PMD has reported maximum sustained surface winds of 150-160km/h, with gusts up to 180km/h around the cyclone's center.

“The cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea has formed an eye, indicating that the system has grown more organised and more powerful,” chief meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz said, as reported by Dawn.

According to him, the cyclone was, at that moment, directed towards the coastal areas of Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar and the adjoining areas of Indian Gujrat.

Potential Impacts and Warnings:

The PMD has warned of widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with heavy to extremely heavy falls and squally winds of 80-100km/h in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, and Umerkot districts from June 13-17. Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, and Mirpurkhas districts are likely to experience dust/thunderstorm rain with a few heavy falls and squally winds of 60-80km/h from June 13 or 14 to 16.

The PMD has cautioned that high-intensity winds may damage vulnerable structures, while a storm surge of 3-3.5 meters is expected at the land-falling point.

Preparedness Efforts and Minister's Call for Caution:

The Sindh government in the Province of Pakistan, under Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, has stated its full preparedness to handle the potential impact of Cyclone Biparjoy.

Evacuation plans and safe areas for vulnerable families have been identified in Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin districts.

The health services in Hyderabad have established emergency control rooms and reviewed preparedness at healthcare facilities.

Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman has emphasized the importance of caution, planning, and being prepared for the cyclone's unpredictable nature.

Actions and Precautions by Authorities:

Authorities in Sindh and Balochistan are on high alert, monitoring the situation in coastal areas, and ensuring the readiness of emergency control rooms and healthcare facilities.

Karachi authorities have ordered the removal of billboards and signboards to prevent potential damage and loss of life.

The Indian Meteorological Department has also issued alerts for its Saurashtra and Kutch coast.

Cyclone Alert for Saurashtra & Kutch Coast: Yellow Message. ESCS BIPARJOY over eastcentral Arabian Sea, at 1730 IST of 11th June near lat 18.6N & long 67.7E, Likely to cross between Mandvi (Gujarat) & Karachi (Pakistan) by noon of 15thJune. More details: https://t.co/EGetkpfaKk pic.twitter.com/hoYwfd4JJX

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 11, 2023

(Courtesy: Dawn)