Karachi, Pakistan – In anticipation of the increasing threat posed by the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) “Biparjoy,” the public has been barred from visiting Karachi beaches, and authorities have been warned to remain vigilant. The decision was made as the cyclone, located over the east-central Arabian Sea, maintained its intensity and continued tracking northeastward, according to a notification issued by the Karachi Commissioner’s office.
To prevent any potential shipwrecks or drowning incidents, fishing, sailing, swimming, and bathing have been prohibited in the seas within Karachi’s territorial limits from June 11 until the storm subsides. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has also advised fishermen against venturing into the open sea during this period.
The notification empowers deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to take action against violators in coordination with the relevant senior superintendent of police. Violators will face charges under section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code.
The PMD reported that the cyclone’s maximum sustained surface winds range from 120 to 130 kilometers per hour, with gusts up to 150 kilometers per hour near the center of the system. Favorable environmental conditions, including high sea surface temperatures, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence, are expected to contribute to the further intensification of the cyclone.
However, there remains uncertainty regarding the exact track of the cyclone. Some global models suggest a path towards the Oman-Pakistan Makran coast, while others indicate a trajectory towards the Indian Gujarat-Pakistan Sindh coast, as stated by Karachi’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre.
As a precautionary measure, fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the open sea from June 12 onwards until the system passes, as rough sea conditions and high tides are expected along the Arabian Sea coast. Beginning on the night of June 13 and extending into the morning of June 14, Sindh-Makran coast can expect rain, thunderstorms, and potentially heavy precipitation accompanied by squally winds.
The PMD’s cyclone warning center in Karachi continues to monitor the system and will provide updates accordingly. The observed and forecasted track of the cyclone indicates a probable north-northeast direction in the next 36 to 48 hours.
With sea conditions currently described as very high/phenomenal around the cyclone center, reaching maximum wave heights of 25-28 feet, there is potential for damage to loose and vulnerable structures due to the squally winds. The situation is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of coastal areas in the path of the cyclone.