Winds of up to 30-45 km/h hit Karachi, causing two deaths and widespread damage, authorities report
Karachi:
The city of Karachi is currently grappling with the aftermath of powerful winds reaching speeds of 30-45 kilometers per hour, resulting from a developing storm system in the Arabian Sea. The intense gusts have caused significant damage across the city, uprooting trees, toppling signboards, and tragically claiming the lives of two individuals.
The first fatality occurred in the Gulshan-e-Iqbal area, where 50-year-old Shamim Bibi lost her life when a tree fell on her near Baitul Mukarram Mosque on University Road. Her body was immediately transported to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital for necessary legal procedures. This incident highlights the severe impact of the storm on the urban environment, where infrastructure and nature are both under threat from the intense weather.
In a separate incident, another life was lost in Korangi’s Sector 51-C. Muhammad Sameer, a 25-year-old man, was electrocuted while working at home. This tragedy underscores the dangers posed not only by the winds themselves but also by the broader environmental hazards they exacerbate, such as downed power lines and electrical accidents.
The storm system, which began as a low-pressure area, has now intensified and is moving towards the northeast Arabian Sea, close to the Sindh coast. Meteorological experts have indicated that this system has the potential to develop into a Cyclonic Storm (CS) by the end of the day. As of the latest reports, the system is approximately 190 kilometers east-southeast of Karachi, with its effects already being felt across the city and surrounding regions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued warnings of widespread rain and thunderstorms across various districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, and Hyderabad, until August 31. The coastal areas of Balochistan, particularly Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar, are also expected to experience similar weather conditions from August 30 to September 1. These regions are likely to see heavy rainfall, which could lead to waterlogging and inundation in low-lying areas, particularly along the Sindh-Makran coast.
The sea conditions are projected to remain perilous, with squally winds reaching speeds of 50-60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h. The PMD has strongly advised fishermen in Sindh to avoid venturing into the sea until at least August 31, while those in Balochistan are warned to stay ashore until September 1. These precautions are crucial to prevent further loss of life and to ensure the safety of those who might otherwise be at risk due to the turbulent sea conditions.
Environmental factors contributing to the intensification of the storm include sea surface temperatures of 28-29°C, moderate vertical wind shear, and robust upper-level outflow. These conditions are ideal for the storm to develop into a more severe cyclonic event, potentially causing even greater disruption across the affected regions.
The authorities are on high alert, and emergency services are prepared to respond to the evolving situation. The public is urged to stay informed about the latest weather updates and to take necessary precautions, especially those living in vulnerable areas prone to flooding and other storm-related hazards.
As Karachi and surrounding areas brace for the full impact of the storm, the city’s residents are reminded of the importance of adhering to safety advisories and remaining vigilant in the face of nature’s unpredictable power.