Cyclone Nilofar: Disaster body calls for pre-emptive measures

Says it is ensuring all actions in coordination with local authorities

QUETTA/ ISLAMABAD/ KARACHI:

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a set of instructions about the pre-emptive measures that need to be taken in the wake of the impending Cyclone Nilofar, almost 72 hours before it was to make landfall in Pakistan.

According to a handout issued by the authority on Monday, the NDMA – in coordination with Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) of Sindh and Balochistan – is ensuring all actions including a possible evacuation of people living in coastal and low lying areas.

“Early warnings are being issued on regular basis to the fishermen not to venture into the open sea from Wednesday to Friday. Those who are already in the open sea have been advised to return to the coastal areas by Tuesday evening,” the authority said.

The NDMA has also advised the civil/local administration to ensure that people refrain from swimming in the sea. “[It has also asked them to] issue regular forecasts and warnings to people, ships, ports etc., in this regard besides rescue agencies be placed on high alert in the areas likely to be impacted,” it said.

According to the handout, the NDMA has also advised the PDMAs in Sindh and Balochistan for making timely arrangements for relief camps in respective areas in case any situation arises. “The emergency operation centres will also be made operational till termination of cyclone in line with NDMA’s directions,” it said.

Heavy to moderate rainfall accompanied by strong winds are expected in lower Sindh, including Karachi, and the coastal areas of Balochistan from Wednesday [night] to Friday [evening] as the Cyclone Nilofar may further intensify into a severe tropical cyclone during the next 36 hours.

Nilofar emerged after a deep depression formed in the Arabian Sea converted into a tropical cyclone, which is located around 1,200km from Pakistan.

According to the Met office, the condition of the sea along Pakistan’s coast may be rough to very rough from Wednesday evening till Friday.  “The formation of the cyclone is strong now,” confirmed Chief Meteorologist Muhammad Tauseef. “The final word about the intensity of the cyclone can be said after October 29,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 28^th, 2014.