Federal Minister for Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Senator Sherry Rehman, said during a media briefing flanked by Chairman NDMA Lt. Gen Inam Haider Malik, that although the Cyclone Biparjoy’s landfall has delayed, the intensity at its core and its impact on the surrounding areas remain unchanged. She reassured the public that the government is tirelessly working to ensure preparedness, prevention, and risk mitigation measures against the cyclone. Minister Rehman provided an update on the evacuation process, stating that it is nearing completion. A total of 169 relief and evacuation camps have been established throughout Sindh, with 63 camps currently active and 106 on standby. These camps have successfully accommodated over 82,000 individuals who have been safely relocated to these designated sites. Livestock of more than 8,000 people have also been shifted to the secure sites as well Additionally, a network of 87 medical camps has been established, including 29 mobile units. These camps are staffed by 325 doctors, 309 paramedics, and supported by 67 volunteers. The medical teams have treated over 2,700 patients so far. Among the individuals in the camps, there are currently 208 pregnant women who are receiving necessary care. In terms of security and assistance, a total of 1,352 personnel from the Pakistan Army, 16 companies of Rangers, and 303 officers from the Pakistan Navy are actively on the ground, with an additional 2 battalions of the Pakistan Coast Guard stationed along the coastline. The approaching cyclone, classified as a Category 3 Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS), is projected to make landfall late at night or after midnight in the early hours of June 16th, between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh Coastline) and the Indian state of Gujarat. The max sustained wind speeds are expected to reach 111 km/h, with gusts reaching up to 139 km/h and a maximum wave height of 30 feet at the system centre. The cyclone is expected to cross between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh) and Indian Gujarat coast on 15 June evening/ Midnight with packing winds of 100-120 Km/hour with a velocity of 140 km/hour. According to the latest update as of 5:00 PM on Wednesday, June 15, the cyclone is currently located approximately 230km south of Karachi, 220km south of Thatta, and 122km south-southwest of Keti Bandar. It is projected that several regions including Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar, Mirpur Khas, and Umarkot will witness heavy rainfall exceeding 300mm between June 13th and 17th. Similarly, Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Dadu, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Sanghar are expected to experience rainfall up to 100mm. It is advisable for these areas to be prepared for wind-dust and thunderstorms, with wind gusts ranging from 60-80km/h. In Thatta, Sajawal, Mirpur Khas, and Umarkot, wind gusts may reach between 80-100km/h. Additionally, isolated heavy rainfall and wind-dust are anticipated in parts of Balochistan, particularly in Hub and Lasbela. While chairing the Cyclone Biparjoy Emergency Committee meeting, Minister Rehman asked the active Power Ministry for an account of actions on the ground and was informed that the Sujawal grid repair work is currently underway and is expected to be completed by morning. Recognizing the potential impact of the storm on around 90 feeders, the Power Secretary said a team of 350 workers has been mobilized from various regions including cities of Punjab and Sukkur to assist in the vulnerable areas. The teams will provide necessary support and address any issues that may arise during the storm, with the objective to minimize power outages and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply. Minister for Information Technology and Telecommunication, Syed Amin Ul Haque, also joined the Committee meeting, and reassured everyone present that robust measures have been implemented to guarantee uninterrupted digital connectivity. If there is any interruption, he will be overseeing repairs. Minister Rehman emphasized the significance of effective planning and strong coordination, complimenting all stakeholders for working round the clock to create resilience against immediate shocks. The one action that is taken by all states when such a high-intensity cyclone approaches is to evacuate populations from vulnerable areas, which has been done in timely fashion by all responders, including Government of Sindh, which has been taking the lead. While acknowledging the thrust of the cyclone which could not be averted by any actions we could take, she mentioned that the assessment of loss and damage will be conducted after the event. The minister stressed the importance of keeping urban storm drains open to mitigate the impact of the cyclone. The primary focus has been on ensuring public and urban safety, as saving lives is the initial step in reducing the impact of disasters.
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