Cyclone Biparjoy likely to disturb power supply

The energy ministry issued a warning on Tuesday over the possibility of a three-hour increase in load shedding due to disruptions in the fuel supply to the power plants following a potential hurricane Biparjoy.

Cyclone disturbs power supply: The Power Division tweeted that a disturbance in the flow of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the power plants is likely to cause a halt in the country’s electricity supply.

The report suggests that the projected shortage in the nation could reach 7,000 MW, with a potential decline of 1,500 MW due to the halt in the supply of LNG to power plants.

The division stated that the load shedding could be extended by two to three hours due to a potential increase in the shortfall. On average, load shedding lasts eight hours across the nation.

The division also warned about the possibility of a 2,400MW coal power plant power supply interruption caused by a breakdown in fuel supplies. Diesel-powered power plants would serve as an alternative method of producing electricity.

According to government experts, Cyclone Biparjoy has become an extremely severe cyclonic storm (ESCS), category 3, with sustained winds of around 140-150 km/h and gusts of up to 200 km/h.

The meteorological forecast predicts gusts of up to 150 km/hr from the storm, prompting the Sindh government to prepare for the evacuation of 80,000 people.

Syed Murad Ali Shah, the chief minister of Sindh, warned that the storm was moving towards Karachi and might force mud dwellings to collapse.

In his Tuesday speech to the Sindh Assembly, he noted precipitation and wind in the city.

The CM of Sindh declared that prioritizing human lives is paramount and that they had completed all cyclone preparations. “People should understand and keep their doors closed during the cyclone.”