To ensure the safety of the public, the Karachi Commissioner has issued a notification imposing Section 144 in response to the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) named “Birparjoy.” This means that certain restrictions have been put in place in Karachi. People are not allowed to enter the beaches, and activities such as fishing, sailing, swimming, and bathing in the seas within Karachi’s jurisdiction are prohibited until the storm subsides. These measures have been implemented to prevent accidents like shipwrecks or drownings.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings to relevant authorities, urging them to stay alert during the predicted period. The cyclone, located in the east-central Arabian Sea, has maintained its strength and is moving northeastward. Its current position is Latitude 15.5°N and Longitude 66.3°E, which is approximately 1,040 kilometers south of Karachi, 1,020 kilometers south of Thatta, and 1,110 kilometers southeast of Ormara, according to the Met Office.
Any violations of the imposed orders will be handled by the respective deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners, in coordination with the senior superintendent of police in the city. Those found disobeying the orders may face charges under section 188 PPC.
The PMD has reported that the cyclone is accompanied by maximum sustained surface winds ranging from 120 to 130 kilometers per hour, with gusts reaching up to 150 kilometers per hour near its center. The storm’s intensification is supported by favorable environmental conditions, including sea surface temperatures between 30°C to 32°C, low vertical wind shear, and upper-level divergence. These conditions contribute to the continued strengthening of the cyclone.
