According to ARY News, the metrological department reported that Cyclone Biparjoy is shifting away from the Karachi coast. In the past 12 hours, the cyclone has changed its direction towards the northwest. The met office provided specific details, stating that it is currently situated approximately 550km south of Karachi, 530km south of Thatta, and 650km southeast of Ormara.
The cyclone’s maximum sustained surface winds are recorded at 140-150 Km/hour, with gusts of 170 Km/hour around the center of the system. Sea conditions around the cyclone center are very rough, with a maximum wave height of 35-40 feet.
The met office predicts widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain due to the cyclone’s possible approach to the southeast Sindh coast. This is expected to occur from 13-17 June and may result in heavy or extremely heavy falls in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, Mirpurkhas, and Umerkot districts, accompanied by squally winds of 80-100Km/hour gusting 120km/hour. Additionally, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar districts may experience dust/thunderstorm rain with a few heavy falls and squally winds of 60-80 Km/hour from 14-16 June.
It is important to note that the high intensity winds associated with the cyclone can potentially cause damage to vulnerable structures, including solar panels. Furthermore, there is a predicted storm surge of 3-3.5 meters (8-12 feet) at the landfall point (Keti Bandar and surrounding areas), which may result in flooding of low-lying settlements.
Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid venturing into the open sea until the system has passed, as the Arabian Sea conditions may become very rough with high tides along the coast. The PMD’s cyclone warning center reported that Extremely Severe Cyclone Biparjoy, previously classified as a very severe cyclonic storm, has moved further northward and is currently situated 600km south of Karachi. The cyclone is expected to make landfall on the south-southeast Sindh coast and the adjoining Gujarat coast of India, but the exact location will be determined in the coming days.
