As cyclonic storm ‘Shakhti’ brews, Karachi, other parts of Sindh likely to receive rain

Karachi division and various parts of Sindh are expected to receive rain on Friday and Saturday, under the influence of a cyclonic storm ‘Shakhti’, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said.

The Met Office on Friday said the ‘Shakhti’ is likely to turn into severe cyclonic storm during the next 24 hours, causing light to moderate rain.

The depression over northeast Arabian Sea has moved northwestward during the past six hours, intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Shakhti’ over the same region and now lay centered at around latitude 21.7N and longitude 66.8E at about 360km south of Karachi.

“It is likely to move west-northwestwards initially and likely to further intensify into severe cyclonic storm during next 24 hours. Thereafter, it is likely to move west-southwestwards and reach over central north Arabian Sea.

Gusty winds, rain in Sindh’s coastal districts likely

“Under its influence, wind-thunderstorm/rain of light to moderate intensity likely in Tharparker, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Keach, districts and at isolated places in Karachi Division today & tomorrow,” the PMD said.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea till October 5 as sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough with squally winds 40-50 gusting 55Km/hour near Sindh coast.

Gale wind speed reaching 65-75 gusting to 85km per hour around the system centre till evening of October 4 then further increase to 100-110 gusting to 125km per hour with sea conditions are likely to remain very rough to high then very high over central north and North Arabian Sea during October 3 to 6.

“PMD’s Cyclone Warning Centre, Karachi, is monitoring the system and will issue the updates accordingly,” the weather advisory department said.

Officials cautioned that weak structures such as kacha houses, billboards, solar panels, electric poles and vehicles could be at risk from strong winds and lightning.

Authorities urged residents of coastal and lower Sindh districts to remain alert, follow official advisories, and take precautionary measures as the weather system evolves over the Arabian Sea.