Authorities are on high alert as Cyclone Biparjoy nears

Karachi: Cyclone Biparjoy, currently moving towards the coastal areas, is expected to intensify into an "extremely severe cyclonic storm" within the next 24 hours, warned officials from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

The authorities are urging concerned departments to remain vigilant as the cyclone has the potential to cause flooding, particularly in low-lying regions, along with other damages.

PMD issued an alert at approximately 9:45 pm on Saturday, revealing that the cyclone was located 840 kilometers south of Karachi, 830 kilometers south of Thatta, and 930 kilometers southeast of Ormara.

Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz, the chief meteorologist, stated, "The cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea has developed an eye, indicating a more organized and powerful system."

He added that the cyclone is currently moving towards the coastal areas of Karachi, Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and the adjacent regions of Indian Gujarat.

"It is expected to make landfall on June 14 or 15. The situation will become clearer by Sunday evening," Dr. Sarfaraz.

According to the Met department's alert, the very severe cyclonic storm Biparjoy, located in the east-central Arabian Sea, has maintained its intensity and continued tracking north-northeastward over the past 12 hours.

"At present, it is positioned near Latitude 17.3°N and Longitude 67.4°E, approximately 840 kilometers south of Karachi, 830 kilometers south of Thatta, and 930 kilometers southeast of Ormara," the alert stated.