Karachi, Pakistan - A powerful cyclone named Biparjoy is set to make landfall on Thursday afternoon between Karachi, Pakistan, and Mandvi in Gujarat, India. As of the latest update, the storm has intensified into an "Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm" (ESCS) - Category 3, with sustained windspeeds of approximately 160-180 km/h and gusts reaching up to 200 km/h. The cyclone, which was initially located around 600 km away from Karachi, has now moved closer and is approximately 410 km away from the city.
The exact location of the landfall remains uncertain; however, the latest forecast indicates that it will occur between Keti Bandar on the Southeast Sindh Coastline and the Indian Gujarat Coastline on the afternoon of 15 June 2023, posing a significant threat to these regions.
Authorities have issued warnings to residents and are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of the affected areas. The cyclone has now weakened slightly to a "Very Severe Cyclonic Storm" (VSCS) - Category 3, with sustained windspeeds of approximately 150-160 km/h and gusts of up to 180 km/h. The areas expected to be most affected include Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Ormara, Tando Allah Yar Khan, and Tando Muhammad Khan in the Sindh Province.
In preparation for the cyclone, over 40,000 people have already been relocated or evacuated from the vulnerable areas. Authorities have implemented emergency response plans and are working to evacuate an additional 100,000 people to ensure their safety. Efforts are being made to provide shelter, food, and medical assistance to those affected by the approaching cyclone.
Local authorities, including disaster management agencies, have been coordinating with national and international organizations to monitor the situation closely and provide necessary support. Rescue teams, medical personnel, and relief supplies are on standby to respond promptly in case of any emergencies.
The public is urged to follow the instructions issued by authorities, including evacuation orders, and to stay updated through reliable news sources for the latest information on the cyclone's progress and safety guidelines.
As Cyclone Biparjoy moves closer to the Karachi and Gujarat coastlines, the authorities are focusing on ensuring the safety and well-being of the affected population, aiming to minimize the potential impact of the cyclone on lives and infrastructure.
This news report will be updated as more information becomes available.