Beijing

On Wednesday, Chinese authorities confirmed that Beijing has recorded its heaviest rainfall over the past few days since records began 140 years ago.

The city logged 744.8 millimeters of rain, the maximum amount of precipitation recorded during the rainstorm, between 8 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Wednesday at the Wangjiayuan reservoir in Changping District, the Beijing Meteorological Service said.

The Chinese capital has experienced spells of torrential rains brought by Typhoon Doksuri since the start of the weekend, which had caused 11 fatalities as of Tuesday morning.

Authorities lifted the red alert for flood on Wednesday morning as the water flow in major rivers has gone below the warning mark.

Record-setting torrential rain in Beijing. Over 500 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. This is what the climate crisis looks like. How many records need to fall before we do what's required to stem the damage?

No time to wait. #ActOnClimate #climate #energy via @yangyubin1998 pic.twitter.com/8ZBTLI6OIM

— Mike Hudema (@MikeHudema) August 1, 2023

Previously, some parts of the Fangshan District suffered from flood and geological disasters caused by recent rainstorms in the capital city. A rescue team comprised of firefighters, medical workers and volunteers set out to evacuate people afflicted by floods in Pinggezhuang Village of Liulihe Town on Wednesday.

The Chinese Finance Ministry has earmarked about US$14 million to support post-disaster reconstruction in Beijing and neighboring Hebei Province.

It was also confirmed that central budget funds will be used to support the reconstruction of infrastructure and public services.

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Courtesy: TeleSur (Posted on Aug 02, 2023)

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Karachi, Sindh

The Cyclone Biparjoy has not yet hit the coastal districts of Sindh however the heavy rains have cut the land communication of Khharo Chhan area while Keti Bunder and Ghora Bari areas of Thatta district and Shahbunder of Sujawal district have lost the land communication partially.

According to current situation reported to the Chief Minister by the Commissioner of Hyderabad Division, the wind velocity in Khharo Chhan was 25 knots or 50km per hour and it remains cut off from rest of the areas due to continuous heavy rains.

The velocity of winds in Keti Bunder was 20 knots or 40km per hour. The area was under the heavy rain that has partially disconnected it from rest of the province.

In Ghora Bari area of Thatta district, the wind velocity was recorded at 18 knots or 36km per hour. The area is receiving intermittent rains due to which it remains partially disconnected from rest of the district.

Almost same situation prevails in Sujawal district, where the wind velocity was 20 knots or 40km per hour and the area of Shahbunder is partially cut off due to rains.

The wind velocity in Jati Taluka of Sujawal district was 38km per hour with intermittent rains but fortunately it remains connected with rest of the district.

Taluka Shaheed Fazil Rahu is receiving intermittent rains and the wind velocity here has been 22 knots or 45km per hour. The area has not lost land communication. Similarly, Badin Taluka is receiving intermittent rains and the wind velocity was 18 knots or 35km per hour.

The administration has shifted 70000 people from coastal areas of all these districts to safer places, the Chief Minister was informed.

The Keti Bandar had a population of 17000 from where 3000 people shifted voluntarily while 14000 were shifted by the administration.

The administration has setup 44 relief camps in three districts where 34766 people have been housed.

Further updates are yet to come. (PR)

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From Correspondent

Sukkur, Sindh

The teams of Electric Power Supply Companies of Sukkur, Lahore and Multan (SEPCO, LESCO and MEPCO) have been moved to Hyderabad to help the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) in the restoration of power supply disturbed by the Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy.

Chief Executive Officer of Sukkur Electric Power Supply Saeed Ahmad Dawach said that Secretary Water and Power had directed the CEOs of LESCO, MEPCO and SEPCO to send their technical teams with equipment to restore the power supply disturbed and suspended in the areas affected by the Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal and other areas.

CEO said that he sent a team led by SE construction Pervez Ahmed to assist the Hyderabad Electric0 Power Supply Company in the restoration of the power.

He said that Prime Minister of Pakistan ordered Secretary Water and Power to involve all resources and sources to meet the Cyclone emergency.

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Aamir Latif

KARACHI, Sindh Pakistan

Rescue personnel Tuesday scrambled to relocate over 100,000 people from Pakistan’s southeastern coastal belt as cyclone Biparjoy drew closer to neighboring India.

Over 35,000 people from the coastal areas of Pakistan have already been evacuated, while operations are underway to relocate another 65,000, Salman Shah, the director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority, told Anadolu.

Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for the residents of the coastal towns and villages of Thatta, Badin, and Sujawal districts in southern Sindh province, which are most likely to be hit by the cyclone.

Biparjoy, which is currently some 470 kilometers (292 miles) south of the commercial capital Karachi, and 460km (285 miles) south of the Thatta district, has weakened into a “very severe cyclonic storm” from “extremely severe cyclonic storm” over the past 12 hours, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

The cyclone is expected to make a landfall between the Keti Bandar coast of the Tahtta district and Mandvi in India’s Gujrat province in the afternoon of June 15, with tides of up to 4 meters (about 13 feet), possibly flooding seaside areas.

In the southeastern districts of Thatta, Sajawal, Badin, Tharparkar, and Mirpur Khas, Biparjoy is likely to dump up to 400mm rains and pack squally winds of 80-100km per hour, according to the latest alert issued by the Meteorological Department on Tuesday.

Although Karachi is not likely to take a direct hit from the cyclone, authorities have issued evacuation orders for several low-lying seaside areas, fearing flooding due to massive rains and high tides.

Voluntary evacuation orders have also been issued for a couple of residential areas near Karachi’s famous Sea View Beach, given the severity of the cyclone.

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Aamir Latif is a Karachi-based senior journalist and represents Anadolu, a Turkish news agency.

Courtesy: Anadolu Agency (Posted on 13.06.2023)  

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Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that around 32466 people of district Sujawal, Badin, and Thatta and residents of 70 dangerous buildings of Karachi are prone to the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) `BIPARJOY’ likely to hit the coastal belt on June 15.

“We are taking all-out measures to shift the people to secure areas and removing loose installations like billboards, sign boards, and such other weak structures to avoid any untoward incident.”

He said this while addressing a press conference at CM House regarding the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) `BIPARJOY’ at CM House on Monday.

Flanked by provincial ministers, Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Shah, CM said that a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) `BIPARJOY’ over the East-Central Arabian Sea has further moved northward. He added that under the existing upper-level steering winds, it was most likely to track further in the North-Northeast direction towards Southeast Sindh-Indian Gujarat coast.

Shah quoted the PDMA and Met Office reports saying “Now cyclonic storm lies near Latitude 19.5°N & Longitude 67.7°E at about 600 km South of Karachi, 580 km South of Thatta and 710 km southeast of Ormara. He added that maximum sustained surface winds were 160-180 Km/hour gusts 180 Km/hour around the system center and maximum wave height was 35-40 feet.

The favorable environmental conditions (sea surface temperature of 30-31°C, low vertical wind shear & upper-level divergence) are supporting the system to maintain its intensity., the CM said and added under the existing upper-level steering winds, the ESCS “BIPARJOY” was most likely to track further Northward until 14 June morning, then recurve Northeastward and cross between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh) and Indian Gujarat coast on 15 June afternoon as a VSCS.

Possible Impacts: Talking about the impact of the storm, Murad Ali Shah said that with its probable approach to the southeast Sindh coast, widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with some very heavy/extremely heavy falls accompanied by squally high-intensity winds of 80-100Km/hour likely in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar & Umerkot districts during 13-17 June.

Shah said that Dust/thunderstorm-rains with few heavy falls and accompanied by winds of 60-80 Km/hour were likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allayar, Mirpurkhas districts from 14-16 June. He added that the winds may cause damage to loose and vulnerable structures such as Kutcha houses and solar panels.

Quoting the PDMA and MET office reports, the chief minister said that a Storm surge of three to five meters or 8-12 feet was expected at the land falling points such as (Keti Bandar and around. Therefore, he said that through the district administration, Pak Navy, and Pak Army Fishermen have been called back from the sea and have been directed not to go fishing.

Measures taken in Karachi: The CM said that the government has imposed a complete ban on 9th June under section 144 Cr. P.C. on fishing, swimming, bathing, and sailing effectively from today (11 June). He directed KMC, DMCs, and Cantonment boards to immediately remove billboards, signboards, and other advertisement material on 9th June. He added that Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon has been directed to take strict measures.

Shah announced an emergency in all major hospitals of Karachi Division and ordered availability of the doctors and paramedical staff during the storm period. He ordered the availability of dewatering pumps on all choking points to ensure smooth drainage of storm water.

The directed SBCA, DCs, and cantonment boards to take necessary measures regarding dangerous buildings and scaffolding in under-construction buildings to avert any potential damage.

The CM said that Commissioner Karachi Iqbal Memon, on his directives, held a meeting with all relevant authorities to discuss the emergent situation and ensure implementation of directions like the implementation of section 144CrPC, evacuation of people from dangerous buildings, removal of scaffolding/cranes, loose material, etc. from under construction buildings, hoardings, billboards by 13th June, placing high alert in hospitals, installation of dewatering pumps in low lying areas, evacuation from Ibrahim Hyderi, Rehri Goth, Lath Basti, Chashma Goth, and others, winching of drains, placement of boards by DHA at dug up roads, cleaning of nullahs, establishing control rooms including at Commissioner office and DC offices.

The CM said that a control room with a 1299 number has been established at the Commissioner’s Office.

To a question, the CM said that 70 buildings declared most dangerous may be vacated. He added that they would not be made homeless but may be shifted to a safer place by the commissioner.

Sujawal: The chief minister presiding over a meeting at the Conference Room of 31st Creek, Shah Bander, and then at Keti Bander directed the commissioner Hyderabad Bilal Memon to ensure the safety and security of the people.

The meeting was attended by Minister LG Nasir Shah, DG Rangers Major General Azhar Waqas, Coastal commander Rear Admiral Raja Rabnawaz, GOC Hyderabad Major Gen. Mohammad Hassain, Commodore Jawad Khwaja of Pakistan Maritime, Brigadier Tariq Mehmood of Corp 5, Karachi.

The Commissioner briefing the CM said that out of the vulnerable 41 dehs, 23 were located in Jati, 10 in Taluka Shahbundar, and eight in Kharo Chhan. “In these three talukas 105 villages, 9194 households, 53522 population, and 6120 livestock were in vulnerable condition.

Badin: The coastal areas of district Badin mainly fall in two talukas- Badin and Shaheed Fazal Rahu are vulnerable. The coastal belt of both talukas is almost 50 Km. Three union councils, 12 dehs, 68 villages, 3668 households, and around 32,000 population likely to be affected in Badin taluka. Therefore, the CM said that 21 relief camps and 20 medical camps, 30 tractors, and eight boats have been arranged.

In taluka Shaheed Fazil Rahu once union council, eight dehs, 22 households, and 1416 population is prone to the cyclone. Mr. Shah said that 15 camps, 10 medical camps, 20 tractors, and five boats have been arranged for transpiration.

The CM said that the District Control Room in the office of Deputy Commissioner Badin with phone Nos: 0297- 920020-920013-870660 has been established.

Thatta: Over eight dehs and creeks of Keti Bunder and Kharochhan were prone to the cyclone, therefore a population of around 13950 would be affected.

In the area of Ghorabari taluka, 955 houses with a population of 7750 would likely be affected.

Murad Ali Shah told the media that the Pak Army, Pak Navy, District Police, DHO office, Town Committees Rescue 1122, Livestock dept, PPHI, utility stores, District Education Officers, and the NGOs were working to avoid any loss of life. He added that the people who were prone to cyclone would have to vacate their houses for shifting to a safe area, otherwise, we would remove them forcibly because their life was dear to us.

The district administration and Pak navy have evacuated nearly 500 villagers and evacuation is underway for the remaining 1500 villagers. Temporary placement of villagers at campsites at Katibunder has been developed.

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[According to Sindh government’s official statement, the powerful cyclone is about to hit coastal district from June 13 to 17, 2023]

Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo

Once again, Badin and other coastal districts of Sindh province are about to face a devastating cyclone, which highlight the relentless onslaught of natural disasters in the region. As the storm is about to wreak havoc, it prompts us to ponder whether we, as human beings, are complicit in this crime against nature and who ultimately bears the cost. Look back to the catastrophic cyclone of 1999. The year 1999 marked a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan as a powerful cyclone wreaked havoc along its coastal regions. Cyclone 02B, with its ferocious winds and torrential rains, unleashed its wrath upon the province of Sindh, leaving behind a trail of destruction and immense loss. The affected communities still after twenty-four years continue to struggle to rebuild their lives. Their resilience has been tested repeatedly, enduring not only four subsequent flood emergencies but also the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

Tragically, over 6000 individuals who went missing during the 1999 cyclone were eventually declared dead, leaving behind a painful legacy for their families. Now, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has once again issued an alert, signaling the imminent danger facing coastal communities. While governments may be interested in raising funds and offering support, everyone knows those living below the poverty line, along the coastlines in makeshift homes made from grass and bushes, are left vulnerable. They face the heart-wrenching prospect of losing not only their dwellings but also their lives and their means of sustenance.

Allocating resources to provide adequate shelter, livelihood support, and psychological assistance to the affected population should be prioritized

The recurring cycle of destruction raises important questions about our collective responsibility towards the environment. Are we, in fact, collaborators and perpetrators of this crime against nature? The consequences of climate change and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly evident, and it is imperative that we address this crisis before it escalates further. Today while interacting with rural people I realized the plight of the people in Badin serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive disaster management strategies and long-term solutions. Immediate relief efforts are essential to assist those affected by the upcoming cyclone, but sustainable measures must be implemented to mitigate future risks and enhance the resilience of vulnerable communities.

As the storm rages on, it is crucial for the authorities, civil society organizations, and individuals to come together and take decisive action. Allocating resources to provide adequate shelter, livelihood support, and psychological assistance to the affected population should be prioritized. Initiatives focusing on climate change adaptation, disaster preparedness, and environmental conservation must be implemented to safeguard our shared future. In the face of nature’s fury, we must not forget that we hold the power to change the trajectory of this unfolding crisis. Though we don’t share common values, this is time, let us unite, not only to confront the immediate challenges at hand but also to prevent the recurrence of such tragedies through sustainable practices and responsible environmental stewardship. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to heal the wounds inflicted upon our planet and ensure a safer and more resilient future for all.

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Zaheer Udin Babar Junejo is a Community Development Professional, based in Hyderabad, Sindh.

The post Coastal Belt of Sindh Facing another Ravaging Cyclone first appeared on Sindh Courier.

Karachi, Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has said that Cyclonic storm, BIPARJOY is likely to hit the cities and towns of the coastal belt between June 13 to 17 June which may cause heavy rains in Badin, Sujawal, Umkot, Tharparkar, and Karachi.

Quoting the Pakistan Met Office warning, Mr. Shah said that the Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) “BIPARJOY” over the east-central Arabian Sea has further intensified into an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS), moved Northward during the past 12 hours, and now lies near Latitude 18.1°N & Longitude 67.5°E at about 760 km south of Karachi, 740km south of Thatta & 840km southeast of Ormara. Maximum sustained surface winds are 150-160 Km/hour, gusts 180 Km per hour around the system center, and sea conditions are phenomenal around the system center with a maximum wave height 35-40 feet.

The favorable environmental conditions (sea surface temperature of 30-32°C, low vertical wind shear & upper-level divergence) are supporting the system to maintain its intensity. Under the existing upper-level steering winds, the ESCS “BIPARJOY” is most likely to track further Northward until the 14 June morning, then re-curve Northeastward and cross between Keti Bander, (Southeast Sindh) and Indian Gujarat coast on the 15 June afternoon as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).

The Chief Minister said that with the approach of the cyclonic storm to the Southeast Sindh coast, widespread wind-dust/thunderstorm rain with some very heavy/extremely heavy falls accompanied by squally winds of 80-100 km/hour likely in Thatta, Sujawal, Badin, Tharparkar & Umerkot districts during 13-17 June.

He said that Dust/thunderstorm rain with few heavy falls and accompanied by squally winds of 60-80 km/hour likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Mirpurkhas districts from 13, 14 & 16 June.

Murad Shah said that high-intensity winds may cause damage to loose & vulnerable structures (Kutcha Houses). The Storm surge is expected at Keti Bander. The Arabian Sea conditions may get very rough high accompanied by high tides along the coast, therefore fishermen have been advised not to venture into the open sea.

The chief minister said that Thatta, Sujawal, and Badin have dangers, therefore he has sent Commissioner Hyderabad to evacuate people, if necessary. He added that the Karachi Commissioner has also been directed to secure billboards.

Shah urged the people not to come out of their homes unnecessarily when the storm hits the coast.

The chief minister said that he was in touch with Corps Commander Karachi, DG Rangers, and GOC Hyderabad to develop close coordination to avoid any untoward incident. (PR)

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