ISLAMABAD: Cyclone Biparjoy, a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm originating in the Arabian Sea, is expected to make landfall between the coastal regions of Sindh, Pakistan, and Gujarat, India, on Thursday afternoon or evening, according to meteorological authorities.
As of the latest report, Cyclone Biparjoy has weakened but remains a formidable weather system, located approximately 340km south-southwest of Karachi, 355km south-southwest of Thatta, and 275km south-southwest of Keti Bandar, as confirmed by the Met Office.
The maximum sustained surface winds near the center of the cyclone range between 150-160 km/hour, with gusts reaching up to 180 km/hour. Sea conditions surrounding the storm’s center are described as phenomenal, with wave heights reaching a maximum of 30 feet.
Cyclone #Biparjoy appears to have made its much-anticipated turn to the northeast. Biparjoy is still forecast to make landfall near the border of India and Pakistan on Thursday. Winds will decrease over the next 48 hours as the cyclone interacts with land. #BiparjoyUpdate pic.twitter.com/sWHNe0oIRa
— Zoom Earth (@zoom_earth) June 14, 2023
Based on the prevailing upper-level steering winds, Cyclone Biparjoy is anticipated to recurve in a north-northeastward direction, crossing the Southeast Sindh region near Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat coast on the afternoon or evening of June 15th. The storm is projected to maintain its intensity as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, bringing winds of 100-120 km/hour, gusting up to 140 km/hour.
Cyclone Likely to Cause Rainfall in Sindh
The approaching cyclonic storm is expected to trigger heavy rainfall in several districts of Sindh, including Tharparkar, Badin, Sujawal, and Umarkot, according to the local weather department. International media reports indicate that the cyclone is likely to make landfall near Jakhau Port on the Gujarat coast during Thursday noon.
A weather alert has been issued, warning of widespread wind-dust storms and thunderstorm rain with high-intensity winds of 80-100 km/hour in districts such as Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot from June 13th to 17th.
The Karachi Metropolitan area is also expected to experience a windstorm with speeds ranging from 20-30 km/hour, accompanied by rainfall, during noon to evening today, as reported by the Met Office.
In preparation for the cyclone’s impact, the Sindh government has undertaken evacuation measures, relocating approximately 64,000 individuals from various coastal towns and settlements. Specifically, 13,000 people have been evacuated from Taluka Keti Bandar in Thatta district, while 5,000 individuals were moved from Ghorabari. In Badin district, 19,000 people from Shaheed Fazil Rahu taluka and 9,000 from various villages have been relocated. Additionally, authorities have evacuated 8,300 people from Shahbandar and Sujawar, along with 5,000 persons each from Jati and Gharo, as confirmed by local authorities.
