WHO gears up preparedness and response for Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy

The WHO is supporting Pakistan’s government in responding to Tropical Cyclone Biparjoy. The Incident Management Support Team is coordinating health activities, mobilizing resources, and prepositioning emergency medicines to ensure access to healthcare and limit the spread of diseases. A technical working group is overseeing the preparedness and response plan.

“We are closely monitoring the cyclone situation and remain on alert during the forecast period to extend every possible support to the Government of Pakistan,” stressed WHO Representative in Pakistan, Dr. Palitha Mahipala. “Our priority is to ensure that the health needs of affected communities are met in the wake of the, and there is no disruption in providing essential health services, including for emergency and trauma care.”

According to Pakistan’s authorities, approximately 1,00,000 people from the coastal belt districts of Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, and Mirpurkhas are expected to be relocated in total, while at least 25,000 people have already been relocated.The cyclone is expected to maintain a northward trajectory until the morning of 14 June, 2023, and then recurve eastward to make a landfall between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh Coastline) and the Indian Gujarat Coastline in the afternoon of 15 June, 2023.