Pakistan to evacuate 80,000 people ahead of Cyclone Biparjoy

Pakistan has commenced the evacuation of approximately 80,000 individuals from the coastal areas of southern Sindh province as a precautionary measure in response to the approaching Cyclone Biparjoy.

The cyclone, currently classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm, is anticipated to make landfall along the coastline around June 15. The cyclone, located over the Arabian Sea, intensified on Sunday but is projected to weaken by June 17 to 18.

To ensure preparedness, Islamabad has placed all relevant authorities on high alert. The Pakistan Meteorological Department reported that the cyclone approached within approximately 600 kilometres of Karachi on Monday. In response, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah conducted an aerial inspection of the coastline and directed authorities to evacuate the estimated 80,000 individuals residing in the affected areas for their safety.

The anticipated landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy is expected to occur in Keti Bandar, one of the oldest ports in the Sindh province, and its surrounding areas. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has taken action by relocating individuals from low-lying coastal regions in Sindh to temporary shelters established in government schools and offices.

In addition, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued instructions regarding safety measures in Karachi. High-rise buildings and mobile towers in the city are required to be illuminated with beacon lights to enhance visibility. Moreover, any large advertisement boards installed on poles or buildings that may pose a risk to passing traffic or people must either be reinforced or completely removed. These measures aim to ensure the safety of individuals and maintain smooth traffic flow during the cyclone.

"We are expecting the high-intensity winds, heavy rainfalls, thunderstorms, and high tides to damage vulnerable structures, so we have started taking precautions and are evacuating the people at least 10 kilometres away from coastal areas," said NDMA official Jahanzaib Khan.

In light of the approaching cyclone, residents of the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), a prominent area in Karachi, have been advised to exercise caution. Section 144 has been implemented in Karachi, resulting in a ban on access to the city's beaches. To discourage people from venturing into the open sea, traffic on Karachi's Seaview Road was blocked on Monday.

The airside department of the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority has issued a notice to relevant officials regarding the safety of lightweight aircraft and other electrical equipment. Precautionary measures have been advised, including the mooring of parked light aircraft or relocating them to safer areas. These measures aim to mitigate potential risks and ensure the safety of aircraft and electrical equipment during the cyclone.

According to the PMD, the cyclone's maximum sustained surface winds were 160-180 km per hour, while gusts as high as 200 km/h were around the system centre. Sea conditions were phenomenal around the system centre with a maximum wave height of 35-40 feet.

"The favourable environmental conditions ... are supporting the system to maintain its intensity." Citizens are warned of "widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with some very heavy/extremely heavy falls accompanied with squally winds of 80-100 km/hour" from June 13-17.

It further said that "dust/thunderstorm-rain with few heavy falls and accompanied with squally winds of 60-80 km/h" were likely in several cities including Karachi from June 14 to 16. "Squally (high-intensity) winds may cause damage to loose & vulnerable structures, including solar panels," said the department.

"Biparjoy is unpredictable yet categorised as high intensity. Panic is counterproductive, but caution and planning are better than being caught unawares," said Sherry Rehman, Minister for Climate Change and Environment.