Pakistan and India have increased their alertness in preparation for Cyclone Biparjoy, which is expected to reach their coastal areas later today (Thursday). Named after the Bengali term for ‘disaster,’ Cyclone Biparjoy is progressing across the Arabian Sea, necessitating the evacuation of over 100,000 people across both nations. This formidable storm can potentially eradicate homes and cause extensive power disruptions.
Details of the Approaching Storm
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) indicates that the storm, classified as a severe cyclonic storm, has moved north-northeastward in the past six hours.
Cyclone Biparjoy resides 230 kilometers south of Karachi, 235 kilometers south of Thatta, and 155 kilometers south-southwest of Keti Bandar.
Predicted wind speeds may reach 160 kilometers per hour, resulting in extraordinarily turbulent sea conditions, with waves potentially peaking at 30 feet. The NDMA further predicts that when the cyclone lands at Keti Bandar in southeast Sindh, it will produce winds between 100-120 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching 140 kilometers per hour.
Mahesh Palawat, an Indian weather expert, identifies Biparjoy as the longest-lasting cyclone ever recorded in the Arabian Sea, reaching its ninth day of existence. The previous record of less than eight days was set in 1998.
Addressing the Risk to Lives
In a Wednesday press conference in Islamabad, Senator Sherry Rehman, the Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, emphasized the necessity of moving people to safer locations. This is a universally recognized measure to prevent the harmful impacts of cyclones.
The minister warned that the cyclone’s secondary effects could pose severe risks to human life. She highlighted that regions like Umerkot are in the cyclone’s trajectory, with expected consequences also projected for Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, and Tharparkar.
Forecasts suggest heavy rain and thunderstorms, with a projected rainfall of 110mm for Karachi and a significantly higher 330mm for Thatta. The minister strongly advised residents of Karachi against visiting the seaside to view the cyclone, a phenomenon she dubbed ‘disaster tourism.’ She urged people to refrain from creating TikTok videos of the event, which could risk their and their families lives.
During the same press conference, the climate change minister announced that Cyclone Biparjoy has necessitated suspending small aircraft operations in the metropolitan areas. Commercial flight operations will also be discontinued as the cyclone draws nearer.
By federal government instructions, the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) Limited has halted gas supplies to all industrial sectors. This includes power generation units, the fertilizer sector, and CNG stations, owing to the looming cyclone, a shortfall in natural gas supply, and re-gasified liquefied natural gas (RLNG).
The SSGC suspended the gas supply at 7:00 am on Wednesday and will remain in place until further notice. In the meantime, Energy Minister Khurram Dastagir has arrived in Karachi to monitor the electricity situation amidst this crisis.
