Sindh, Balochistanon High Alert as Cyclone-Forming Storm Nears Coast

Karachi- A deep depression in the Arabian Sea, located 200km southeast of Karachi, is moving west-southwestward towards the Sindh coast, prompting a cyclone alert and heavy rainfall warning for the next 24 hours.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an advisory warning of a cyclonic storm “ASNA” approaching the northeast Arabian Sea, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to Sindh and Balochistan.

The deep depression is currently located at Latitude 23.5 N & Longitude 68.4 E, approximately 170 km east/southeast of Karachi. It is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm by the afternoon/evening of August 30 and move further west/southwestwards along the Sindh coast.

Widespread rain/wind-thunderstorms with scattered heavy/very heavy and isolated extremely heavy falls are expected in Sindh, including Karachi, Tharparker, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Hyderabad, and other districts till August 31.
Heavy falls are also expected in Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar districts from August 30 to September 1.

Risks and Precautions

– Sea conditions will remain rough/very rough with squally winds of 50-60 km/h, gusting up to 70 km/h.
– Coastal flooding may occur along the Sindh coast.
– Pluvial flood/inundation may occur in low-lying areas of Sindh.
– Windstorms may damage crops, loose structures, and disrupt electricity/utility services.
– Thunderstorms increase the risk of lightning strikes.

Fishermen and Public Advisory

– Fishermen from Sindh are advised not to venture into the sea till August 31, and those from Balochistan till September 1.
– The general public is advised to avoid visiting seaside and beach areas and remain cautious of loose structures like billboards, electrical poles, solar panels, and hoardings.

Stay Informed

– NDMA has launched the Pak NDMA Disaster Alert application, available on Google Play Store and iOS App Store, to provide timely alerts, advisories, and guidelines to the public.
– Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities,

Earlier,

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecasts widespread rains, wind, and thunderstorms with very heavy to isolated heavy falls in various districts of Sindh, including Karachi, till August 31. The storm may result in urban flooding in urban centers and trigger flash floods in local drains and hill torrents of Balochistan.

The Karachi city administration decided to close all public and private schools on Friday.

According to a handout from the Karachi commissioner’s office, Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi issued orders to close all public and private schools in all districts of Karachi on Friday, Aug 30, in light of the Meteorological Department’s advisory.

The Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainstorms in Karachi and most parts of Sindh.

The strong monsoon system near Tharparkar and India’s Rann of Kutch may penetrate into Karachi, Hyderabad and other districts, bringing torrential rains with thunderstorm, the Met Office said.

Monsoon claimed 11 Lives in Last 24 Hours

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued an alert, urging authorities and the public to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential impacts of the weather system. Fishermen and sailors are advised not to venture into open seas during this period.

Rainfall in Karachi (past 24 hours)

– Sarjani Town: 127.6mm (highest)
– Gulshan-e-Hadid: 46mm
– Nazimabad: 45.2mm
– Kemari: 42mm
– PAF Faisal Base: 38mm
– Korangi: 36.3mm
– North Karachi: 32.9mm
– University Road: 32.8mm
– Quaidabad: 29.5mm
– Old Airport: 29.4mm
– Gulshan-e-Maymar: 26mm
– PAF Masroor Base: 25.5mm
– Jinnah Terminal: 25.4mm
– Orangi: 18.8mm
– Gadap: 12.1mm
– DHA Phase II: 10.7mm (lowest)