Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has warned that Cyclone Biparjoy is headed for Karachi, the commercial hub of the country, as another senior official, Minister of State for Environment Senator Sherry Rehman, told a press conference that urban flooding was feared in the city.

Addressing a press conference flanked by chairman NDM in Islamabad, Sherry Rehman said Cyclone Biparjoy is a reality and people should strictly follow the advisory about precautionary measures.

“People should follow the advisory seriously as cyclones are very unpredictable. They should cooperate with the concerned local bodies.”

She said that there has been a difference in the intensity of the cyclone but caution is very important. There is a possibility of flooding in Karachi due to the scale and intensity of the winds, she said.

“The cyclone is likely to affect the areas of Keti Bandar, Thatta, and Umarkot. There is also an emergency situation in Karachi,” she said.

Sherry Rehman warned that people should not take the cyclone situation for granted. “Stay away from the solar panel during the storm, it can cause damage.”

“Fishermen should take the cyclone warning seriously.”

The Minister of State said that Sajawal, Adhi, and Keti Bandar have almost been evacuated.

‘Biparjoy is heading towards Karachi’

Shortly after Rehman spoke, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the cyclone was headed towards Karachi and that it could cause mud houses to collapse.

“Winds are blowing in the city and there is drizzle,” he said in his Sindh Assembly address.

The Chief Minister said that the first priority is to protect the lives of the people, and their preparations regarding the cyclone are complete. “People should understand and keep the doors closed during the cyclone.”

Murad Ali Shah said he has visited different areas of the coastal belt and it would be very difficult to rescue people after the cyclone.

Overcast sky

The sky remained overcast throughout the day in Karachi as strong winds blow.

There were reports of sporadic drizzle in the afternoon.

Zoom Earth, which has been source for the most of the Biparjoy update, data showed that the cyclone could make landfall by Thursday noon between Keti Bandar and the Indian state of Gujarat.