Residents of Karachi’s upscale area, Defence Housing Authority (DHA), have been warned to take necessary precautions as the Arabian Sea cyclone Biparjoy approaches the city. The tropical cyclone has gained strength and is now classified as an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (ESCS). It is expected to make landfall along the southeast Sindh coast, between the Pakistan/Rann of Kutch-Indian Gujarat coasts, on the afternoon of June 15 as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS). In light of this growing threat, the DHA administration has notified its residents and advised them to be prepared for potential emergency situations.
“We advise our residents to prepare for the Severe Cyclonic Storm (SCS) BIPARJOY,” stated a tweet from the official DHA Karachi account.
As a precautionary measure, residents have been urged to secure their homes by closing basement entrances and windows to prevent damage from stormwater. In case of any emergency, residents are instructed to contact the DHA helpline at 1092.
The advisory includes the following precautions to mitigate the potential negative consequences of the approaching storm:
- Ensure that all mandatory open spaces are clear and free from any violations to prevent water accumulation and flooding.
- Thoroughly clear the drains at the main gates of houses to maintain smooth water flow.
- Keep rooftops of all buildings clear of temporary or unauthorized constructions and materials.
- Apply roof treatment to protect structures from storm damage.
- Secure all exposed or loose electrical connections to prevent accidents or electrical hazards.
- Clean all main holes and pipes to maintain proper drainage.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Section 144 of the CrPC (Code of Criminal Procedure) has been imposed in coastal areas, including DHA, which restricts people from visiting beaches for their safety.
