India and Pakistan are preparing for a cyclone that will make landfall in a few hours. Heavy rain and flooding are expected.
New Delhi/Islamabad – The powerful cyclone “Biparjoy” is expected to make landfall in India and Pakistan on Thursday evening (local time). The cyclone is expected to reach wind speeds of up to 140 km/h, the Indian Meteorological Service announced on Thursday. There was also a warning of high waves and coastal flooding. Heavy rain is also expected. The area between the city of Mandvi, in northwestern India, and the Pakistani mega-metropolis of Karachi would be affected.
More than 100,000 people have been evacuated from coastal areas to temporary shelters. Fishermen were ordered not to go out to sea.
India’s army, navy, air force and coastal forces say they are ready to provide assistance in the affected areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) said emergency medicines have been made available in Pakistan’s affected Sindh province to ensure uninterrupted access to healthcare and limit the spread of infectious diseases. dpa
