According to a report by ARY News, the Meteorological Department has stated that Cyclone Biparjoy is now moving away from the coast of Karachi. Over the past 12 hours, the cyclone has shifted its trajectory towards the northwest.
Currently, the cyclone is located approximately 550km south of Karachi, 530km south of Thatta, and 650km southeast of Ormara, as per the meteorological office.
The maximum sustained surface winds around the cyclone’s center are recorded at 140-150 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 170 km/h. Sea conditions around the cyclone center are extremely rough, with wave heights reaching 35-40 feet.
Widespread Rainfall
With the expected approach of Cyclone Biparjoy towards the southeast coast of Sindh, the meteorological office predicts widespread wind, dust, and thunderstorm rain. Some areas may experience very heavy to extremely heavy rainfall accompanied by squally winds of 80-100 km/h, gusting up to 120 km/h in districts including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot from June 13th to June 17th.
In Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts, dust, thunderstorm, and rain with a few heavy falls are expected, along with squally winds of 60-80 km/h from June 14th to June 16th.
There is a risk of damage to vulnerable structures, including solar panels, due to the high-intensity winds.
Precautionary Measures
A storm surge of 3-3.5 meters (8-12 feet) is anticipated at the landfall point, such as Keti Bandar and surrounding areas, which could result in flooding in low-lying settlements.
Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the open sea until the system subsides by June 17th, as the Arabian Sea conditions are expected to become very rough, accompanied by high tides along the coast.
Cyclone Biparjoy
The extremely severe cyclone Biparjoy, initially a very severe cyclonic storm, is presently located 600km south of Karachi, according to the PMD’s cyclone warning center. It is projected to move further northward and potentially make landfall along the south-southeast coast of Sindh and India’s adjoining Gujarat coast. Further details about the exact location of landfall will become clearer in the upcoming days.