Cyclone Biparjoy slowed down, won’t make landfall before nightfall: Climate Minister Sherry Rehman

Cyclone Biparjoy slowed down, and won’t make landfall before nightfall: Climate Minister Sherry Rehman said addressing a presser on Thursday in Islamabad.

 

Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman said that Cyclone Bipatjoy was previously expected to hit the shore around 11:00 am.

“But, since the speed at which it is moving has slowed by 6-7km, its times of landfall is delayed and it is now expected to hit the shores until after dusk,” the minister briefed.

She stressed that while the cyclone had “slowed down”, its core was still “intense”, and the areas identified earlier as vulnerable still needed to stay alert.

“We had earlier marked four districts at risk. Thatta, Badin, Sujawal and Malir (Karachi). Now, since the trajectory is towards the northeast, the Tharparkar region also needs to be aware of the impact of the cyclone,” she added.

“We will continue to update you regularly since these storms are unpredictable,” the minister said, adding that the cyclone was still heading towards the northeast.

Rehman added that strong winds and heavy rainfalls are still expected to go up to 300mm in some areas, adding that while the cyclone had moved away from Karachi, its effects will be seen in these areas.

“A flood warning has been given in the sea,” she said.

Sherry Rehman also warned that winds are blowing at a speed of 120-140km/h while waves of 30 feet and more are rising in the sea.

 “The government’s preparations for security measures were complete,” she said adding that more than 81000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas.

“All institutions including Navy, Police Force, Rangers are involved,” Rehman said, adding that the Air Force is not needed now but would be available to provide assistance.

She further shared that the evacuation of people was a difficult task.

“It is not easy to leave your home; however, people are being provided with all facilities including cooked food, and clean water.”

The climate change minister briefed that 87 medical units are also in the field.

She added that 63 camps have already been set up in coastal areas while another 106 camps are on standby.

Rehman also informed that repair work is being carried out at the Sujawal grid.

“90 feeders may be affected in coastal areas. Out of these four feeders were out which were restored after repair,” she said.