The PMD forecasts heavy weekend rains; authorities implement pre-emptive measures.
Cyclone Alert: Sindh Braces for Potential Cyclone as Heavy Rains Forecasted
KARACHI:
A potential cyclone is brewing in the northeastern Arabian Sea, approximately 270 kilometers southeast of Karachi, with a high likelihood of making landfall in Sindh by Friday morning. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a stern warning, forecasting heavy rains across the region over the next 72 hours.
As per the PMD, a deep depression—an area of significantly low atmospheric pressure—was detected over India’s Rann of Kutch region and has been steadily moving west-southwest during the past 12 hours. The department added that this weather system could potentially advance into the northeastern Arabian Sea, directly impacting Sindh’s coastal areas.
“Environmental factors, including sea surface temperatures and upper-level divergence, are highly favorable for this system to develop into a tropical cyclone by tomorrow,” the PMD highlighted in its latest cyclone alert. “Initial projections indicate that the cyclone may move towards the west-southwest.”
The PMD’s trajectory models suggest that the cyclone could severely impact several key regions in Sindh, including the Karachi division, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, and Dadu. These areas are expected to experience heavy rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms through August 31st. Wind speeds could reach between 50 and 60 kilometers per hour, with sea conditions expected to range from rough to very rough. As a result, the PMD has advised fishermen to avoid going out to sea until the end of August.
The Cyclone Warning Centre of the PMD is closely monitoring the evolving situation, urging all relevant authorities and the public to stay updated through official advisories. Should the cyclone fully develop, it will be named “Asna,” a name proposed by Pakistan, meaning “higher.”
In response to the cyclone alert, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has directed local administrations and relevant departments to remain on high alert and complete all necessary preparations to manage any emergency that may arise. He emphasized the importance of vigilance during this critical period to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.
Adding to the precautionary measures, the Karachi Commissioner has implemented a ban on fishing activities, swimming, bathing, diving, and wading in the sea or coastal areas of the Karachi division. This ban, enacted under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), is aimed at preventing any unfortunate incidents during the cyclone’s potential impact.
Currently, a wet spell is affecting Sindh, particularly in its southern and central regions, as well as the neighboring Indian state of Gujarat. On Thursday, the Thar district recorded the highest amount of rainfall in Sindh, with 347 millimeters reported across seven tehsils. Other districts in Sindh have also been significantly affected; Karachi recorded a cumulative 190mm of rain in the last 24 hours, Mirpurkhas received 143mm, while Hyderabad and Badin experienced 116mm and 112mm of rainfall, respectively.
The heavy rains have had a devastating impact in India, particularly in the state of Gujarat, where at least 28 people have died this week due to rain-related incidents. The relentless downpour has triggered floods across coastal regions along the Arabian Sea, forcing thousands of people from their homes in India. With similar weather patterns expected to affect Pakistan, the authorities are taking all necessary precautions to prevent a similar disaster.
Meanwhile, in Islamabad, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued alerts to all concerned departments following the forecast of more rain in Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan over the next 24 to 72 hours. The NDMA has predicted that certain districts in Sindh could receive over 100mm of rain. Additionally, heavy rainfall is also anticipated in Punjab and Balochistan, including the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The NDMA has warned of possible flooding in the hilly areas of Dera Ghazi Khan, Taunsa, and Rajanpur.
The NDMA also indicated that flood conditions could develop in various hilly regions of Balochistan, with a possible increase in the flow of local rivers. To ensure a swift response to any emergencies, the NDMA has issued directives to ensure the availability of resources and preparedness at all levels.
As Sindh braces for the potential cyclone and the accompanying heavy rains, authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, urging the public to remain cautious and adhere to safety advisories.