The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) announced on Tuesday that around 100,000 people living in the coastal areas of Pakistan will be evacuated to safer places by tomorrow evening. This is in anticipation of the very severe cyclonic system (VSCS) Biparjoy, which is expected to make landfall between Karachi and India’s Gujarat on June 15.
The NDMA has said that it is taking all necessary measures to control the storm’s effects and weather damage. The Sindh government, along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and relief camp medical missions in Balochistan, have also been alerted.
The NDMA has urged people to stay calm and follow the instructions of the authorities. They have also asked people to take necessary precautions, such as stocking up on food and water, and securing their homes.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a cyclone:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- If you are outside, find a safe place to shelter, such as an underground bunker or a sturdy building.
- Do not use candles or generators indoors, as they can create a fire hazard.
- Stay away from downed power lines and flooded areas.
- Listen to the radio or TV for updates on the storm.
The NDMA is working hard to ensure the safety of the people of Pakistan. Your cooperation is essential in helping to prevent loss of life and property.
In a press conference, Climate Change Minister Sherry Rehman said that the storm is now heading towards Balochistan. She added that the government is in constant touch with the NDMA and that all rescue missions and agencies have been put on alert.
Rehman warned that even though the storm has downgraded from “extremely severe” to “very severe”, urban flooding is likely in Karachi, given the scale and intensity of the winds. She said that so far, more than 40,000 people have been evacuated, while 43 relief camps have been established.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the cyclone is now about 470km south of Karachi, 460km south of Thatta, near Latitude 20.7°N and Longitude 67.1°E. The storm is packing winds of up to 160 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 200 kilometers per hour.