Cyclone Biparjoy live updates

Federal Energy Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan arrived in Karachi on Wednesday to personally monitor the power supply system amid cyclone Biparjoy threat.

He is visiting Karachi on the special instructions of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The teams of power distribution companies (Discos) also left for Sindh to improve the electricity system and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Three people were arrested after a case was registered against them in Sahil police station in Karachi’s Clifton area for violating Section 144. 

The sea level rose in Gwadar’s Ormara town and water entered the fishermen colony due to high tides, the Levies officials said.

No loss of life or property was reported, they added.

However, the officials said sea level became normal after an hour.

“The sea level in Pisni is still normal,” they added.

With the help of Pakistan Army, navy and Rangers, as many as 73 thousand people from Thatta, Sajawal and Badin districts have been shifted to 75 relief camps set-up by the local administration so far.

“Food and medical facilities are being provided in the camps.”

The Pakistan Metrological Department (PMD), in its latest updated shared that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) “Biparjoy” has moved "moved nearly northeastward during last 6 hours".

It and now lies at a distance of about 310km south of Karachi, 300km south-southwest Thatta and 240km south- southwest of Keti Bandar. 

"Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 Km/hour gusts 180 Km/hour around the system centre and sea conditions being phenomenal around the system center with maximum wave height 30 feet. The favorable environmental conditions (sea surface temperature of 29-30°C, low vertical wind shear & upper-level divergence) are in support to sustain its strength through the forecast period," said the PMD. 

The Met Office shared that the cyclone is likely keep tracking Northeastward and cross between Keti Bandar and Indian Gujarat coast on June 15 evening as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) with packing winds of 100-120 Km/hour gusting 140 km/hour. 

Assistant commissioner of Thatta shared that 1,000 people have been evacuated from Sujanwari area of Kati Bandar.

The official shared that these people had gone into hiding when the evacuations were done from Keti Bandar city a day earlier. 

Water levels have started to rise near the Hawksbay beach of Karachi as Cyclone Biparjoy closes in.

According to the police, the main road leading to Turtle Beach has also been inundated. It added that multiple walls of huts near the beach have fallen due to the high tide.

“There is threat of Abdul Rehman Goth located near Turtle beach drowning,” said the police. It added that all roads leading to the beach have been blocked. 

The provincial transport department has stopped all passenger vehicles from going to Karachi from June 15 till 17.

The transporters were notified via a notice issued to transporters going to Karachi from Quetta, Khuzdar, Chaman, Pishin

The notification stated that the ban has been imposed in Karachi and Lasbela due to possibility of rains. It warned that action will be taken against violating transporters

ISLAMABAD: The very severe cyclonic storm (VSCS) Biparjoy has caused a halt of small aircraft operations in the areas facing impacts of cyclonic winds, whereas the government has started mulling over the closure of commercial flights as well in its high-level meeting to be convened on Wednesday evening.

In a joint media briefing, flanked by Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lieutenant General Inam Haider Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman shared a recent update on the VSCS Biparjoy.

Senator Sherry Rehman said that the cyclone was heading toward the coastline of the country. She added that the winds were blowing at a speed of 140 kilometers per hour (km/h) and all the institutions were working together to ensure that the preparations were being made along with precautionary measures.

The senator informed that some 75 relief camps were established and according to the Sindh government, all the individuals were evacuated from the potentially affected areas.

She urged the masses that there was no need to panic as the authorities concerned were vigilant and taking prerequisite measures. Public safety and saving people’s lives was the top priority of the government, she added.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik has said that evacuees could be moved to another place amid prediction of heavy rains.

“It was told that it may rain up to 300mm. Some areas may not be suitable for relief camps,” he added.

The NDMA chief said ten relief camps have been set-up in Keti Bandar and all arrangements have been made and boats are being arranged as well.