Pakistan: Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy - Flash Update No. 3 (As of 14 June 2023)

This report is produced by OCHA Pakistan in collaboration with humanitarian partners. The next report will be issued in 24 hrs.

HIGHLIGHTS

• At the time of reporting, Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy is located about 327 km away from Karachi and 257 km from Keti Bandar (Southeast coastline of District Thatta). The landfall location is forecast between Keti Bandar and the Indian Gujarat Coastline on the afternoon of 15 June.

• The storm strength is currently forecast as a “Very Severe Cyclonic Storm” (VSCS) – Category 3 with expected landfall on Thursday afternoon.

• The Government has established 75 relief camps established with over 61,000 people relocated.

• The landfall is expected to generate a surge storm of about 2-3 meters at the coastal belt which is likely to inundate low-lying areas and settlements.

• Humanitarian organizations in coordination with the Government are planning support to national response efforts.

RESPONSE ACTIONS

• The Government has established 75 relief camps in the districts of Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Malir, Korangi and Kemari. Over 61,000 people have already been relocated or evacuated, mostly to public schools and public buildings with plans to evacuate up to 100,000 people.

• The Ministry of Climate Change, NDMA, and PDMA Sindh are leading the preparedness efforts with relevant government institutions, Army/Navy, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Meteorological Department and sharing daily briefings with the humanitarian community.

• The sectors have completed stock mapping and are on standby for any required support needed in the event of a post-landfall emergency. Further, the sectors have finalized the Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) tool which will be shared with the government for approval before it could be used in the impacted areas.

• Agencies, IFRC/PRCS have deployed additional staff to support government authorities to enhance preparedness measures, information management, and coordination at provincial and national levels.

• Provincial and district-level coordination is being supported by OCHA with Inter-Sectoral Coordination and General Coordination meetings taking place in Karachi and Hyderabad on 15 June.

• The Government has not yet requested assistance from the international community and indicated that it has enough stocks available to support the evacuated population.