No change in Biparjoy path, don't venture out for two days: Sherry Rehman
Pakistan
Urges people stock essential items like diesel for generators
ISLAMABAD (Web Desk) – Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman on Wednesday asked the people living along the coastal and other areas expected to be affected by tropical cyclone Biparjoy to take necessary precautionary measures and said evacuation of people was in full swing.
She said there had been no change in the projected path of Biparjoy which was expected to make landfall tomorrow (Thursday) between Keti Bandar – a town located in Thatta district of Sindh – and Indian state of Gujarat.
About Biparjoy, Rehman said the maximum wind speed currently was recorded at 150 km per hour [with gusts up to 170 km per hour] and added that heavy rains with strong winds were predicted in even those areas which won’t be hit directly.
The cyclone won’t hit Karachi – a city hosting around 20 million people – but the affects [in the shape of storm surge, wind and downpours] would be felt, said the minister.
Addressing a press conference, Rehman urged people to avoid unnecessary movement on June 14 and 15 [Thursday and Friday] and stock diesel in case they have generators.
This precaution is necessary in the case of cyclones given that the wind and heavy rain knock down power lines, resulting in complete disruption of electricity supply.
She said shipping activity had been suspended at the two ports in megacity – Karachi Port and Port Bin Qasim – and mentioned that people must not venture near the coastline, with an appeal to cooperate with the military and civil authorities.
The government has already imposed Section 144 to stop people, especially fishermen, from visiting the coastline and go for fishing.
About evacuations from the most vulnerable areas like Keti Bandar and other towns/ villages which will experience the brunt, Rehman said the process was completed by late Tuesday night, but added that the residents of some other areas [like those living the localities located near the sea] were showing reluctance.
Speaking on the occasion, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik shared the details of the measures taken so far including establishment of relief camps, as the government is getting ready to face the challenge amid the cyclone’s landfall tomorrow.
