Arabian Sea Cyclone ‘Biparjoy,’ which turned into an “extremely severe cyclonic storm” on Sunday morning, was 770 kilometres south of Karachi.
According to the weather forecast, the cyclonic storm is now around 770 kilometres south of Karachi, 750 kilometres south of Thatta, and 860 kilometres southeast of Ormara.
The cyclonic storm’s path will most likely remain northward. Maximum continuous surface winds are 140-160 km/h with gusts up to 150 km/h around the system centre, and sea conditions are spectacular with maximum wave heights of 30-40 feet.
According to weather reports, Cyclone ‘Biparjoy’ is expected to make landfall between Karachi and the Kutch area of Indian Gujarat on June 15, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
During the last six hours, the cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea travelled north-northeastwards at a speed of nine kilometres per hour, according to sources.
The PMD warned late Saturday night that the storm was likely to travel farther north-northeast towards the southeast Sindh-Indian Gujarat coast.
The rain-thunderstorm with some very heavy falls and squally winds (60-80 Km/hour) is forecast in southern or southeastern Sindh (including Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparker, and Mirpurkhas districts) from the evening/night of Tuesday, June 13th.
The Met Office has warned that the high winds might cause damage to loose and fragile structures. Storm surge of up to three metres (8-10 feet) is possible.
The weather service has recommended fishermen not to venture out into the open sea until the system has passed, as the Arabian Sea conditions may become very stormy with high tides along the coast.
The Karachi Port Trust (KPT) issued are alert’ on Saturday as Cyclonic Storm Biparjoy remained active over the east-central Arabian Sea.
In the aftermath of the storm, which was apparently moving towards Karachi with sustained winds of 150 km/h, the KPT issued ’emergency recommendations’ for the security of ships and port facilities.
The trust stated in a statement that maritime operations will be halted if severe winds exceed 25 nautical miles. “If the wind speed exceeds 35 nautical miles, cargo ship operations should be suspended,” it warned.
Due to the cyclone threat, the Karachi authorities had already banned fishing, sailing, swimming, and bathing at sea under Section 144.
