KARACHI: Authorities have swung into action and started immediate evacuation process and closure of residential and beaches along coastline as cyclone 'Biparjoy' is likely to hit Pakistani shores in hours to come.  Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah of full support to Sindh govt to deal with cyclone Biparjoy.

In tweet on social media platform twitter, he said, “I just spoke to CM Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah and discussed preparations to deal with cyclone.He commended Sindh government for arrangements they have made under leadership of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah. PM Shehbaz Sharif assured Sindh government of complete support of government. “God willing, we will be able to overcome this situation with support of people,” he added.

Cyclone now classified as an "Extremely severe cyclonic storm" by Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), was around 600km away from Karachi, 580km south of Thatta and 710km southeast of Ormara, after moving further northward during last 12 hours. Sindh government began evacuation drive from coastal areas of Badin, moving residents to safe places in order to avoid any loss of life. Government had decided to evacuate residential areas and other human settlements near coast of Sindh as risk of tropical cyclone Biparjoy present in Arabian Sea escalates.In its latest Tweet, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said Biparjoy is now an extremely severe cyclonic storm. NDMA directed authorities concerned to run awareness campaign in local language to inform residents of coastal areas on weather conditions and advise them against visiting shorelines. "Fishermen should avoid boating in open sea. Follow and cooperate with local authorities in emergency situation," it added. State-run Radio Pakistan reported that NDMA advised people to follow guidance of local authorities in case of any emergency situation. Karachi commissioner has already imposed ban on beach access, fishing, sailing, swimming and bathing within Karachi's territorial limit due to potential threat from cyclone. Pacific Disaster Centre (PDC) reported that approximately 1.38 million people from both Pakistan and India are exposed to cyclone, with 305,755 among vulnerable population.

PDC forecasts sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour with gusts up to 232 kilometres per hour. Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar and Mirpurkhas districts are likely to experience dust/thunderstorms, rains with occasional heavy falls and squally winds of 60-80 kilometres per hour from June 13 or 14 to 16.  CM Murad Ali Shah assured that government is fully prepared to handle potential impact of cyclone. CM mentioned that cyclone's projected path has shifted away from Karachi but identified Thatta, Badin, Sujawal and Badin as areas at risk. Preparations are being made to evacuate vulnerable families and secure loose structures in those districts. Balochistan Provincial Disaster Management Authority has also devised plan to tackle rising threat of cyclone in coastal area of Balochistan and more steps are being taken.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 13 2023

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