Authorities in the coastal areas of India and Pakistan have been put on high alert to deal with the very severe cyclonic storm (ESCS) “Biparjoy” which is approaching and is likely to make landfall on June 15.
The cyclone in the East-Central Arabian Sea moved northward at a speed of 05 km/h and centered in the same region at latitude 19.0°N and longitude 67.7°E, about 540 km from Mumbai (India). West and 660 km south of Karachi (Pakistan).
It is likely to move nearly northward till the morning of 14 June, then move north-northeast and cross Saurashtra and Kutch coasts between Mandvi (Gujarat) and Karachi (Pakistan) by afternoon of 15 June. Because it is more likely to persist as a super-severe tropical storm. Wind speed 125-135 kmph to 150 kmph.
Read live coverage of Cyclone Biparjoy here
Potential Impacts on Coastal Areas of Pakistan:
- Some very heavy/very heavy rain with gusty winds of 80-100 kmph during 13th over Thatta, Sajawal, Badin, Tharparkar and Umarkot districts, with its possible approach to the southeast Sindh coast. Accompanied by widespread wind and dust/thundershowers. – June 17
- The districts of Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Aliyar, Mirpurkhas are likely to experience a few heavy rains accompanied by dusty winds from June 13/14 to June 16.
- Strong winds (high intensity) can damage loose and weak structures (some houses).
- A storm surge of 3-3.5 meters (8-12 feet) is expected at the landfall location (Kati Bandar and vicinity).
- Fishermen are advised not to venture out into the open sea until the system dissipates by June 17, as conditions in the Arabian Sea may become very rough with high tides along the coast.
Potential Impacts on Indian Coastal Areas:
- Heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places with light to moderate rain at most places over Saurashtra and parts of Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka, Porbandar, Jamnagar, Rajkot, Junagadh and Morbi districts on June 14.
- Rain intensity will increase with heavy to very heavy rain at some places and very heavy rain at isolated places over Kutch, Devbhumi Dwarka and Jamnagar and heavy to very heavy rain at isolated places over Porbandar, Rajkot, Morbi and few places. It is possible. Junagadh districts of Gujarat on June 15.
- Isolated heavy rain is very likely over Saurashtra and remaining districts of North Gujarat region on June 15.
Important updates about the storm:
Chief Minister Murad Shah made an aerial survey of the coastal areas.
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Monday took an aerial view of Badin, Sajawal and Thatta coastlines amid the threat of Cyclone Biparjoy.
The cyclone is likely to hit the Sindh coast on June 15. Provincial authorities plan to evacuate at least 10,000 people to safer places.
* وزیراعلیٰ سندھ سید مراد علی شاہ سمندری طوفان کے پیش نظر سجاول کی ساحلی پٹی کا دورہ
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) June 12, 2023
* وزیراعلیٰ سندھ نے سجاول، ٹھٹہ اور بدین کی ساحلی پٹی کا فضائی معائنہ کیا pic.twitter.com/G8n6g4x5iH
Local Government Minister Nasir Ali Shah and Chief Secretary also accompanied the Chief Minister.
Sindh will begin evacuation from the coastal belt.
The government has decided to evacuate residential areas and other human settlements near the coast of Sindh after the threat of Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy in the Arabian Sea increased.
Chance of heavy rain in Karachi
Chief Meteorologist of Sindh, Sardar Sarfraz, while talking to JEE News, predicted heavy rain in Karachi, Hyderabad, Nawab Shah Sanghar and Tando Mohammad Khan due to the storm.
He said that rains may occur in these areas on June 14 or 15, while strong winds will blow at a speed of 70 km per hour.
300-400 mm of rain in storm-hit areas
Speaking to JEE News, Chief Meteorologist of Sindh Sardar Sarfraz said that the cyclone will continue towards northeast and will hit Keti Bandar (Thatta) on June 15.
He said that 300mm-400mm of rain is expected in the areas affected by the storm. Therefore, there is a possibility of heavy rain in Southeast Sindh, Thatta, Sajawal, Badin, Mirpur Khas and surrounding areas.
NDMA is continuously monitoring the storm.
The National Disaster Management Authority says that they are continuously monitoring the storm and necessary instructions are being given to the concerned circles.
انتہائی شدید سمندری طوفان بائپر جوائے کی علاقائی و بین الاقوامی موسمیاتی ماڈلز کے ذریعے مسلسل مانیٹرنگ جاری ہے.اسکی پیشرفت کو مدنظر رکھتے ہوئے ممکنہ اثرات کے حوالے سے ضروری ہدایات وقتاً فوقتاًجاری کی جارہی ہیں. https://t.co/TBWt0ziBw5#BiparjoyCyclone
— NDMA PAKISTAN (@ndmapk) June 12, 2023
Source:Windy, Zoom Earth pic.twitter.com/t3f33BHlDJ
India Meteorological Department says Biparjoy currently lies over east-central and adjoining NE Arabian Sea about 380km SSW of Devbhumi Dwarka.
Cyclone Alert for Saurashtra & Kutch Coast: Orange Message. ESCS BIPARJPY at 0530IST of today over eastcentral & adjoining NE Arabian Sea near lat 19.2N & long 67.7E, about 380km SSW of Devbhumi Dwarka. To cross near Jakhau Port,Gujarat by noon of 15June. https://t.co/KLRdEFGKQj pic.twitter.com/bxn44UUVhD
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 12, 2023
