Alert! Cyclone Biparjoy Approaches Sindh Coastline

Hold on tight, folks! The National Disaster and Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an urgent alert as Cyclone Biparjoy gains strength and heads towards the coastline of Sindh. Brace yourselves, because this cyclone has upgraded to an extremely severe cyclonic storm, and it’s scheduled to make landfall on Tuesday, June 12, 2023.

The NDMA warns that Cyclone Biparjoy might even ramp up its power in the next 24 hours, posing a serious threat to the southern and southeastern parts of Sindh. We’re talking strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the looming possibility of floods in the coastal regions.

To tackle this impending crisis, multiple authorities are on high alert.

The latest update from the PMD informs us that the extremely severe cyclonic storm called “Biparjoy” has been moving northward in the past 12 hours. As of now, it’s positioned around Latitude 18.7°N and Longitude 67.8°E, roughly 690km south of Karachi, 670km south of Thatta, and 720km southeast of Ormara.

Hold onto your hats, because the cyclone’s maximum sustained surface winds are raging at 180-200 Km/hour, with gusts reaching a wild 220 Km/hour near its center. The sea conditions surrounding the storm are nothing short of extraordinary, with colossal waves reaching heights of 35-40 feet.

The PMD also mentions that the environmental conditions are favoring this beastly cyclone. Warm sea surface temperatures ranging from 30-32°C, along with low vertical wind shear and upper-level divergence, are all contributing to the storm’s persistent strength.

Based on the prevailing upper-level steering winds, the PMD predicts that ESCS “Biparjoy” will continue its northward trajectory until the morning of June 14. Then, brace yourselves again, because it’s expected to take a sharp northeast turn and crash between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh) and the Indian Gujarat coast on the afternoon of June 15. That’s when it’ll transform into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).

Rest assured, the cyclone warning center in Karachi, run by the PMD, is diligently monitoring the situation and will keep us updated with any changes.

But what can we expect from this mighty cyclone? Well, hold onto your umbrellas, because the impacts could be significant. As Cyclone Biparjoy approaches the southeastern coast of Sindh, get ready for widespread wind-dust, thunderstorms, and heavy rainfall. Some areas might even experience extremely heavy downpours and squally winds clocking in at 80-100Km/hour. Brace yourselves, residents of Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, and Umerkot districts, because this will be happening from June 13 to June 17.

As for Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, and Mirpurkhas districts, expect dust-thunderstorm showers with a few heavy falls and squally winds ranging from 60-80 Km/hour from June 13/14 to June 16.

Keep an eye on those vulnerable structures, folks! The strong winds might cause damage, especially to kutcha houses.

Oh, and here’s a heads up for those near the landfall point: Expect a storm surge of 3-3.5 meters (8-12 feet) around Keti Bandar and its surroundings. Better stay away from the open sea until the system subsides by June 17. The Arabian Sea conditions are predicted to get incredibly rough with high tides along the coast.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and let’s weather this storm together!