KARACHI: More than 100,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas as Cyclone Biparjoy, meaning “disaster” in Bengali, approaches Pakistan and India. The cyclone, expected to make landfall as a “very severe cyclonic storm,” poses a significant threat to homes and infrastructure, with forecasters warning of potential devastation.
Biparjoy is currently moving across the Arabian Sea and is projected to hit a 325-kilometer (200-mile) stretch of coast between Karachi in Pakistan and Mandvi in India’s Gujarat state. The storm is anticipated to arrive on Thursday evening, accompanied by powerful winds, storm surges, and heavy rainfall.
In Pakistan, climate change minister Sherry Rehman stated that 62,000 people have been evacuated from the southeastern coastline, with relief camps set up at schools and colleges. Fishing has been suspended, small aircraft grounded, and urban flooding is a concern in Karachi, home to approximately 20 million people.
The Indian Meteorological Department has forecasted that Biparjoy will hit near the port of Jakhau in India’s Gujarat state, with warnings of “total destruction” of traditional mud and straw thatched homes. At the Jakhau port, the usual hustle and bustle have given way to the sound of fierce winds and rough seas. Dozens of fishing boats have been battered by gusts while stray dogs roam the entrance of the port.
Pakistan Army Actively Engage in Relief Operations
Pakistan Army has been actively engaged in relief operations to assist and support the affected population. The General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Hyderabad Garrison visited relief camps established in Sujjawal district to oversee the ongoing operations and ensure the well-being of the affected people.
Meanwhile, the evacuation process of the coastal belt population to safe areas remains ongoing. The Pakistan Army released figures indicating that more than 82 percent of the population has been successfully shifted to safer places. The transfer process is expected to be completed by tonight.
Relief camps have been established in Thatta, Sujjawal, and Badin, with a total of 23 camps providing shelter and necessary provisions. The Corps Commander Karachi has instructed the military personnel and Rangers to remain alert for the next 72 hours to ensure the safety and security of the affected population.
Meteorologists have recorded wind speeds of up to 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour) at sea, with speeds predicted to reach 125-135 kph and gusts up to 150 kph upon landfall. As a precautionary measure, over 47,000 people have already been evacuated from coastal and low-lying areas in Gujarat, with further evacuations expected throughout the day.
Authorities in both India and Pakistan are on high alert, acknowledging the potential for widespread damage. The storm’s impact could include the destruction of crops, damage to power and communication infrastructure, and disruptions to railways and roads.
Cyclones are a regular and dangerous occurrence along the northern Indian Ocean coast, affecting millions of lives. Scientists have highlighted that these storms are becoming stronger due to the warming climate. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, noted that cyclones draw energy from warm waters, and the Arabian Sea’s surface temperatures are significantly warmer now compared to four decades ago. This warming trend, linked to global warming, contributes to the intensification of cyclones.
