Classified as a Category 4 storm, Cyclone Kyarr in Karachi has been dubbed a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’ (VSCS) by the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD). As the storm advances towards Karachi’s coastal belt, the PMD has issued alerts stating that the cyclonic storm has moved northwestward during the last 12 hours. Gusting winds reached 265 kmph at about 750 km southwest of Karachi and about 1,080 km away from Salalah in Oman. The storm will further move northwestwards in the next 36 hours and it is expected that it will then turn southwestward. Although predictions suggest that Cyclone Kyarr will remain mostly out to sea, its impact can be seen in areas near the coast of Karachi.
Let us take a look at some more details about the storm and how you can stay safe during a cyclone.
Here is All You Need to Know about Cyclone Kyarr in Karachi
The satellite imagery shows a spectacular symmetry on the morning of October 28, where Kyarr is demonstrating a symmetrical looking whirl, with a clear eye in the centre, showing the intensity of the cyclone. According to the United States’ National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Historical Hurricane Tracks database, the following tropical cyclones besides Kyarr have been recorded in the Arabian Sea, so far:
- Gonu in the year 2007 – a Category 5 storm with the intensity of 165 mph winds
- Phet in 2010 – 145 mph winds
- Chapala in 2015 – 140 mph winds
- Nilofar in 2014 – 130 mph winds
As per a news report published in an English daily, the current cyclone in Karachi formed on Oct. 25. Although it will head towards Oman, it is expected that a new wind system will enter Pakistan in the next 48 hours. Thunderstorms are expected in Karachi and Balochistan between Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
How the Cyclone in Karachi will Impact Residents?
As per a weather alert issued by the PMD, the intensity and strength of winds is varying between 230-265 kmph. This can result in a severe sandstorm in some parts of interior Sindh, which will also impact Karachi.
Many areas in Karachi have faced the wrath of the raging storm, especially people who live near the coastal belt have seen the impact up close. Some parts of Karachi are completely flooded as the sea levels rise. It was alarming for the residents of DHA and Clifton, as they witnessed several parts of the DHA Golf Club in Phase 8, inundated with water, gushing from the rising tides in the Arabian Sea. As a result, the holes 6, 7 and 8 of the Golf Club were declared unfit for play. Water also made its way to Karachi Boat Club in Clifton. More alarming was the fact that the roaring waves made their way to the roads near the beach.
Those who had plans to go on a picnic at Karachi’s beaches have been strongly advised not to go near the beach as the cyclone intensifies.
Small fishermen villages and people who live near the coastal belt were evacuated on an emergency basis since the water started rising. Among the various precautionary measures, fishermen have been banned from venturing into deep sea because it is expected that the tropical cyclone Kyarr in Karachi will intensify and gain strength. The Fishermen Cooperative Society and PMD have issued directives to ensure no fishermen put their life at risk and go fishing in the Arabian Sea for three days in all jetties.
Sea Intrusion due to Super Cyclone Kyarr
Residents living near coastal areas like Rehman Para, Lath Basti, Rehri Goth, Rehri bin Qasim Town and some neighbourhoods of Liaquatabad Town have been affected. Water reportedly entered many houses in these areas due to high tides of the rough Arabian Sea. This phenomenon is called sea intrusion. As of the writing of this piece, at least 185 houses have been affected as water inundated these areas. Around 500 people have been evacuated to ensure people’s safety.
As the strongest cyclone in Karachi, Kyarr, rages over the Arabian Sea, here’s a look at the dos and don’ts in a cyclone that you should keep in mind.
Precautionary Measures you should Take to Stay Safe in a Cyclone
Here is a checklist for you to consider so that you don’t feel the storm’s wrath.
- Get away from low-lying areas near the coastal belt.
- Try to stay indoors when hit by a cyclone. It is not wise to go out just to check what is happening out there.
- Keep mobile phones, emergency lights and fans charged. If you have a generator or UPS make sure it works well
- Keep a spare pack of candles and matchboxes in case of a complete power shutdown. Also, it always helps to keep an old-school radio on standby. You never know when you might need it to stay updated on the weather in case your electronic appliances give in during a power outage.
- Keep a check on your house. Are all your windows and doors closed? Take a closer look. Some windows need to be packed, because the water can trickle down from the sides, making the floor wet – and if the floor is a wooden one – then it might spoil your flooring. Moreover, board up glass windows or put shutters across the windows.
- Check your appliances. If possible unplug them. There can be incidents of short circuits and sparks if water enters your house. It is best to keep everything charged beforehand to avoid any mishap.
- If you have toddlers in the house, apply a black tape over all the sockets in the house. Keep your children, pets and yourself away from K-electric poles or live wires near properties. Don’t touch anything that has a wire nearby to avoid electrocution. It is better to be safe than sorry.
- Do not allow your children to play in or near stagnant water. Also, remove all kinds of empty containers lying outside your house that can store rainwater. Because it can cause dengue mosquitoes to flourish. Don’t make the environment conducive for Dengue mosquitoes. You can also check out our detailed blog on how to make your home dengue-free.
- It is also recommended to switch off the electrical mains and gas connections in the house to avoid any damage.
- Keep a stock of adequate food, especially dry non-perishable food items. Also, make sure you have medicines and a first aid kit ready with essential stuff for safety and survival.
- It would be best if you can keep your documents in a plastic case so that water doesn’t harm your important documents.
- Stay away from dilapidated or damaged buildings or don’t stand under trees or beside a wall. Remember: These things can fall anytime because of stormy weather conditions.
- If you have to evacuate the house, keep all valuables in a safe place or maybe on the upper floor to avoid any damage as water might enter the ground floor. Keep a first aid kit, emergency light, medicines and ready-to-eat-food in a box, in case you have to evacuate on an emergency basis.
- There are post-cyclone precautions as well that you must take, right after the storm passes away. Get yourself inoculated against diseases. Remove any kind of trash or debris from your property. If there is standing water anywhere, remove it instantly. If you have a garden, spray an insecticide to discourage the breeding of mosquitoes. If there are any loose electricity wires, make sure they are repaired before you touch them.
So, these were some of the most important precautionary measures to take during a cyclone. Follow the safety tips and keep your loved ones away from any possible harm. If you have any more tips to share, do write to us at blog@zameen.com and we would love to hear from you. Also, please subscribe to the best lifestyle blog in Pakistan for more informative posts and regular updates. Stay safe!
