Cyclone Biparjoy, classified as a “very severe cyclonic storm,” has made landfall along the Indian Gujarat coast and the Pakistan-India border, prompting evacuations in affected areas. The cyclone, which is currently moving in an east-northeast direction, is expected to complete its landfall by midnight, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued warnings about the cyclone’s impact, stating that the landfall process is underway and parts of the cyclone’s eye are already over the land. Strong winds and heavy rainfall have been reported in coastal regions of both Pakistan and India.
Sherry Rehman, Pakistan’s Climate Change Minister, provided updates on the cyclone’s progression, stating that it is still at a distance from Pakistan and is expected to begin counterclockwise landfall around or after midnight in coastal areas. She urged people to stay safe and informed about the evolving situation.
The PMD has provided the latest position of Cyclone Biparjoy, indicating that it is currently located near latitude 22.9°N and longitude 68.2°E, approximately 245km south of Karachi, 200km south of Thatta, and 150km south of Keti Bandar. The cyclone is expected to bring strong winds ranging from 100-120km/h with gusts up to 140km/h, along with maximum wave heights of 20-25 feet.
The PMD has issued alerts for several districts in Sindh, including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot, where widespread wind-dust/thunderstorms and heavy rain are anticipated from June 15 to 17. Additionally, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts may experience dust/thunderstorms, rain, and squally winds today and tomorrow.
Balochistan’s Hub, Lasbela, and Khuzdar districts are also expected to witness dust/thunderstorms and isolated heavy rainfall. A storm surge of 3-4 meters is predicted at Keti Bander, the location where the cyclone is expected to make landfall.
Officials in both Pakistan and India have taken precautionary measures, evacuating over 80,000 people from vulnerable areas. The Sindh government has put district administrations in Karachi and Hyderabad on high alert, while the Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority has instructed relevant authorities to take necessary mitigation measures.
In India, more than 100,000 people have been evacuated from coastal communities in Gujarat. The cyclone’s impact on the region is expected to cause tidal waves in the Arabian Sea, potentially reaching heights of 2-3 meters, which could lead to inundation in low-lying coastal areas.
Authorities have suspended fishing activities, closed schools, and prohibited beach access in affected regions. Offshore oil installations, major ports, and railways have also temporarily ceased operations. Efforts are underway to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected by the cyclone.
The situation remains dynamic, and further updates and precautions are being communicated by the respective meteorological departments and government authorities. It is advised that individuals stay informed, follow safety guidelines, and cooperate with the instructions of local authorities during this severe weather event.
