A cause of great concern as the cyclone BIPARJOY, which is currently 760 kilometers south of Karachi in the Arabian Sea, is constantly moving towards the port city as well as other coastal areas of Sindh at the speed of 7 to 8 kilometers per hour, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Sunday.
Presently it is 740 kilometers south of Thatta and 840 kilometers south of Ormara.
The cyclone, which was earlier moving in north-westerly direction, changed its track three days ago when it started moving towards north-east.
Right now, it is in close proximity to southern Sindh and Indian Gujarat and the wind speed is 160 kilometers per hour and above.
On the other hand, metereologists say that there is no chance of the Biparjoy weakening, which has already transformed into a fierce storm.
They further say that the sea would start turning rough from Wednesday as waves could go up to 30 to 40 feet.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) spokesman has said that the storm would intensify further in the next 24 hours, and will begin affecting southern and south-eastern parts of Sindh on Tuesday (June 13, 2023). “Under the impact of the storm, there will be strong winds in these areas as well as thundershowers, which will result in deluge.
He has further said that the NDMA, weather department as well as the Provincial Disaster Management Authority are all coordinating with each other, and all departments have been directed to remain on their toes in the event of any emergency.
The spokesman has advised people to keep themselves updated on the changing weather condition and avoid going to beaches.
Similarly, he has also advised fishermen not to venture into open seas.
People visit beaches despite ban:
On the other hand, despite warning and the imposition of section 144, people of Karachi and other coastal areas are heading to beaches to enjoy.
And although cops prohibit them from taking bath, all their warnings fall on deaf ears.
According to Pakistan Metrological Department report, with the cyclone’s probable north-northeast track, the rain/thunderstorm with some very heavy falls and squally winds (60-80 Km/hour) are expected in southern/southeastern Sindh (Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker & Mirpurkhas districts) from 13 June evening/night onwards.
Squally (high intensity) winds may cause damage to Kutcha houses in the area.
Storm surge of 3 meters (8-10 feet) can be possible, the weather report warned.
Reporters: Adiya Naz, Muhammad Hassan Rind, Awais Kiani, Baseem Iftikhar and Javed Qaimkhani