The provincial government has decided to evacuate the residential areas near the coast of Sindh as tropical cyclone Biparjoy gains strength and has turned into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS).
According to information from the Meteorological Department of India, the cyclone is at a distance of 660 kilometres south of Karachi. The authorities stated that Biparjoy would move towards adjoining coastal areas between Gujarat & Karachi by June 15 in the form of a severe cyclonic storm, having a wind speed of 125-135 kph.
As the situation has become dangerous for residents of coastal areas, a meeting was called chaired by Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon and attended by Sindh Chief Meteorologist Sardar Sarfaraz.
After the meeting, it was decided to execute the evacuation plan by June 13. Low-lying areas, including Baba Bhit, Mubarak Village, and Ibrahim Hydri, fall under the plan. Deputy Commissioners of Korangi, Malir, and Keemari have received the directives to shift the residents to relief camps and safer areas. Chief Minister Sindh Murad Ali Shah said that around 10,000 people would be moved to safer places.
The authorities concerned have also decided to impose Section 144, install de-watering pumps, take necessary measures against electrocution incidents, and remove hoardings & signboards.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has alerted that Biparjoy would hit the area of Pakistan and Indian Gujrat by June 15. NDMA added that cyclones would cause floods, torrential rains and strong winds.