Don’t go to see the storm, commissioner appeals to people

The administration of Karachi, along with relevant authorities, has nearly completed important safety measures to protect the city from the impending cyclone Biparjoy.

Karachi Commissioner Iqbal Mehmood, while talking to The Express Tribune on Wednesday, advised citizens to avoid going to beaches and coastal areas when there was high risk of storm and section 144 was in place too. He urged the people to cooperate with the administration and follow precautionary measures.

He said all departments are on high alert. A total of 46 relief camps have been established throughout the city. Vulnerable coastal areas, especially Ibrahim Hyderi, have been evacuated, relocating around 15,000 individuals to relief camps equipped with all necessary facilities.

Karachi Commissioner said that there are 578 dilapidated buildings in Karachi, while sensitive buildings in the city are not more than 70. The relocation of these individuals has also been almost completed.

To a question he said that as per Pakistan Meteorological Department cyclone Biparjoy was unlikely to make landfall in Karachi on Thursday, “but we need to stay vigilant due to its effects.” This situation can also be dangerous as there is a possibility of rainfall exceeding 100mm and winds blowing at a speed of 80 kilometres per hour.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 15^th, 2023.