Karachi: Sindh’s coastal residents, who were forced to flee their towns and villages ahead of tropical cyclone Biparjoy  devastating landfall are returning to their homes after Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) confirmed that sea storm has lost its strength significantly.

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) ‘BIPARJOY’ over northeast Arabian Sea after crossing Indian Gujarat coast (near Jakhau port) has weakened into Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS), Met Office said in its latest advisory.

Following avoidance of Biparjoy Cyclone threat, both LNG terminals at Port Qasim have successfully commenced operations.

Supply of RLNG from these terminals to Sui Northern and Southern Gas has begun. Additionally, decision has been made to restore gas supply to power plants across various industries.

Furthermore, gas supply to power plants in all industries will resume starting at 8 am on June 17, as confirmed by SSGC, whereas decision to restore gas supply to CNG station is still pending. Meanwhile, at least four people died in rain-related incidents while number of electric poles and trees were uprooted in Sindh’s Tharparkar, Umerkot and Badin as Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall overnight, it was reported.

A day earlier, heavy to moderate rains with gusts started at about 8 pm and continued in different cities, including Mithi, Islamkot and Diplo.

District officials said that as of now, 81mm of rain has been recorded in Diplo, 69mm in Islamkot, 34mm in Nangar Parkar and 28 mm in Kaloi, while 122mm of rain has been recorded in Umerkot district.

“It is raining for last 14 hours,” said Sajid Bajeer, Mithi-based journalist. “Officials say it will continue for few more hours,” he added. Following heavy rain, power supply was cut off in Tharparkar district.

Sindh health department’s Director General Dr Irshad Memon told “All health department staff is in field since last week.” He confirmed that medicines, including lifesaving drugs, dog and snake bite vaccines, anti-biotics and ORS were available in all hospitals operating in districts.

Memon said that families have been provided mosquito nets for children, adding that children will also receive an additional measles vaccine.

Sindh Chief Secretary Dr Sohail Rajput stated that government has successfully relocated more than 82,000 individuals from coastal belt.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 17 2023

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