Why Pakistan isn’t ready for Cyclone Biparjoy?

With Cyclone Biparjoy on the horizon, scheduled to make landfall by June 15, the authorities in Pakistan have a crucial window of opportunity to ready themselves for the impending storm.

But seems like Karachi and the nation isn’t ready for another disaster.

What is Cyclone Biparjoy?

With its Bengali moniker ‘Biporjoy,’ meaning ‘disaster,’ this cyclone aptly captures the potential havoc it may wreak as it intensifies into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm later this week.

The naming of this tempest follows the protocol established by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which mandates the assignment of names to cyclones to avert confusion when multiple systems coexist within a specific region.

The looming threat of Cyclone Biparjoy, an exceptionally severe cyclonic storm, looms over the east-central Arabian Sea, poised to make a significant impact near the India-Pakistan border.

Marking the third depression and the second cyclonic storm of the 2023 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Biparjoy originated from an initial depression identified by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on 6 June.

As it intensified, the depression transformed into a formidable cyclonic storm. However, the cyclone’s strength gradually diminished due to the subsiding convective activity.

Nonetheless, Biparjoy regained momentum, rapidly propelling northeastward and intensifying into a Category 3-equivalent tropical cyclone, ultimately reaching the status of an extremely severe cyclonic storm.

Pakistan’s Unpreparedness: A Risk Amplified by Karachi’s Transformation

Here’s why Karachi isn’t prepared for Cyclone Biparjoy:

History Repeats Itself

Throughout history, Karachi has experienced multiple cyclones, leaving a trail of destruction. One notable example is the cyclone of 1944, which left 10,000 people homeless when the city’s population was less than half a million. Karachi also faced significant cyclones in 1902 and 1964.

The city’s current state of marine ecosystem degradation raises concerns about disaster preparedness integrated into urban planning.

Environmental Degradation

Karachi’s marine ecosystem has suffered severe degradation, affecting its ability to withstand disasters. The loss of absorbing capacity in the Obhayo lagoon and Gizri Creek, along with blocked waterways in the Lyari and Malir rivers, poses a significant threat to the city’s infrastructure and its residents.

Monsoon Misery

Despite receiving lower average rainfall compared to other coastal cities in Asia, Karachi faces substantial damage during the monsoon season. While cities like Goa and Mumbai receive 3000 mm and 2200 mm of rainfall, respectively, Karachi’s average rainfall is much lower.

Even a rainfall of less than 200 mm can trigger municipal emergencies, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to unusual weather events.

Absorbing Capacity Lost

The transformation of Karachi’s landscape has resulted in the loss of the efficient backwater absorbing capacity once provided by the Obhayo lagoon and Gizri Creek.

Sadly, Gizri Creek has now turned into a housing settlement, leaving Korangi Creek as the sole remaining waterway.

Urban Expansion and Infrastructure Hazards

Karachi’s exponential population growth, leading to haphazard expansion and the proliferation of poorly constructed concrete structures, has further exacerbated the city’s vulnerability. Urgent action is required to develop disaster risk reduction strategies and implement measures to enhance the city’s resilience against disasters and climate change.

What can be done?

The pressing need for disaster risk reduction strategies and resilience enhancement cannot be overstated. Karachi must take immediate action to address the challenges it faces.

This includes implementing bold measures to enhance infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and climate change adaptation. Central to achieving this goal is the restoration of Karachi’s marine ecosystem, which plays a crucial role in mitigating the impact of disasters.

Restoring Karachi’s Marine Ecosystem

Reviving Karachi’s marine ecosystem is of paramount importance. Efforts must be made to address environmental degradation, conserve natural resources, and promote sustainable urban development.

The restoration of key components such as the Obhayo lagoon, Gizri Creek, and other waterways will contribute to the city’s resilience and overall disaster preparedness.

FAQs

Why is it called Biparjoy?

It is called Biparjoy because in Bangla, the word Biparjoy means ‘disaster’. The naming was done as per the decree issued by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

How far is cyclone Biporjoy from Karachi?

Cyclone Biporjoy is located at 840 km south of Karachi and is moving north-northeastward with winds of 130-140 km/h and gusts of 150 km/h.

Which parts were most affected by cyclones in Pakistan?

Cyclones only occur occasionally in Pakistan, with an average of about 2 occurrences per year. The regions most affected by cyclones are Sindh and Balochistan.

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