ISLAMABAD: Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman asked people living along coastal and other areas expected to be affected by tropical cyclone Biparjoy to take necessary precautionary measures and said evacuation of people was in full swing.

She said there had been no change in projected path of Biparjoy which was expected to make landfall between Keti Bandar today-a town located in Thatta district of Sindh and Indian state of Gujarat.

About Biparjoy, Rehman said maximum wind speed currently was currently recorded at 150 km per hour [with gusts up to 170 km per hour] and added that heavy rains with strong winds were predicted in even those areas which won’t be hit directly.

Cyclone won’t hit Karachi but affects [in shape of storm surge, wind and downpours] would be felt, said Minister. Addressing press conference, she urged people to avoid unnecessary movement on June 14 and 15 and stock diesel in case they have generators.

This precaution is necessary in case of cyclones given that wind and heavy rain knock down power lines, resulting in complete disruption of electricity supply.

She said shipping activity had been suspended at two ports in megacity Karachi Port and Port Bin Qasim and mentioned that people must not venture near to coastline, with an appeal to cooperate with military and civil authorities.

Government has already imposed Section 144 to stop people, especially fishermen, from visiting coastline and go for fishing. About evacuations from most vulnerable areas like Keti Bandar and other towns/ villages which will experience brunt, Rehman said process was completed by late Tuesday night, but added that residents of some other areas [like those living localities located near sea] were showing reluctance.

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik shared details of measures taken so far including establishment of relief camps, as government is getting ready to face challenge amid cyclone’s landfall today.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 15 2023

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