In response to the approaching Very Severe Cyclonic System (VSCS) known as Biparjoy, the Sindh government has taken the decision to cancel all examinations scheduled to take place from tomorrow (Wednesday) onwards. The cyclone is projected to make landfall between Karachi and India’s Gujarat on Thursday.
Assistant Commissioner of Karachi, Abid Qamar Shaikh, issued a notification stating that all examinations, educational seminars, summer camps, and related activities should be either canceled or rescheduled from June 14, 2023, until the storm has passed. This measure aims to prioritize the safety of individuals and minimize inconvenience to the public.
The notification highlighted the anticipated impact of the cyclone on the coastal areas of Karachi Division, bringing heavy rainfall and storms to the city. As per the latest advisory from the Pakistan Meteorologist Department (PMD), the cyclone has shifted further north-northwestward over the northeast Arabian Sea in the past six hours.
Currently, Biparjoy is located approximately 410km south of Karachi and 400km south of Thatta, near Latitude 21.2°N and Longitude 66.6°E. The Met Office reported maximum sustained surface winds around the cyclone’s center ranging between 150-160kmph, with gusts reaching 180kmph. Sea conditions near the center of the system are described as phenomenal, with a maximum wave height of 30 feet.
The decision to cancel examinations and educational activities serves as a precautionary measure by the Sindh government to ensure the well-being of students, teachers, and the general public. Authorities are committed to minimizing potential risks associated with the cyclone and adverse weather conditions. They will closely monitor the situation and provide further updates and instructions as required.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of local authorities to ensure their safety during this period of expected severe weather.
Students and educational institutions are recommended to stay informed through official channels for updates on the rescheduling of examinations and the resumption of educational activities once the cyclone has passed and conditions have improved.
The Sindh government, in collaboration with relevant agencies, is dedicated to safeguarding the welfare and safety of its citizens in the face of natural disasters such as Cyclone Biparjoy.