KARACHI: A deep depression located around 250km south-southeast of Karachi is poised to evolve into a rare cyclonic storm as it moves westward towards Oman, raising alarms across coastal regions in Pakistan. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued an alert about the potential storm, which could bring heavy rains as well as strong winds to the southern districts of Sindh, including Karachi, and along the Makran coast.
The depression, which formed over the Rann of Kutch in India, has been moving west-southwestward over the last 12 hours and now lies at around Latitude 23.6 N & Longitude 69.2 E at about 250km east/southeast of Karachi.
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz described the situation as a “rare phenomenon,” saying, “There is an 80 per cent chance for a cyclonic storm’s formation when the deep depression would move from land to the sea and get favorable conditions. It would be a rare event as cyclones are rare in the monsoon season.”
He further explained that if the storm materializes, it would be the first cyclone in the Sea in August since 1976 and would be named ‘Asna,’ a name suggested by Pakistan. He said that regional cyclones are named according to a list prepared by a 13-country panel, including Pakistan. Despite the storm not posing a direct threat to Pakistan’s coastline, its effect could still be important. Heavy rains associated with the storm could lead to urban flooding and inundation in low-lying areas, including Karachi.
In a statement, the MD warned that sea conditions are expected to remain rough with squally winds 50-60 km/hour gusting to 70 km/hour. In light of these developments, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has asked residents to avoid “unnecessary movement.” He took to social media, saying, “I would urge the residents of Karachi to avoid unnecessary movement. Stay safe everyone and in case of any emergency situation call 1339.” The Karachi commissioner’s office has announced a holiday for schools on August 30 due to the anticipated severe weather.
Meanwhile, across Pakistan, heavy rainfall has already claimed 9 lives, induced flash floods, and cut off road access in several regions. In Punjab, at least seven people lost their lives, and 18 others were wounded as heavy rain caused widespread damage to infrastructure and triggered urban flooding in low-lying regions.
Similarly, in Gilgit-Baltistan, two people, including a tourist, were killed, and three others were injured as rain-induced landslides and flash floods blocked the Karakoram Highway and Baltistan Road.
