As parts of Pakistan including Karachi witnessed heavy rains amid monsoon season, a potential cyclonic storm – which according to experts is rare at this time of year – caused panic among people as it is expected to lash Sindh and other coastal regions.
PMD Update on Karachi Cyclone
Latest advisory shared by Met Office mentioned a deep depression over Rann of Kutch in India that is on its way towards west-southwest and may intensify into a Cyclonic Storm by Friday noon.
The extreme weather system is touted to bring widespread rain, and thunderstorms in several districts, including the provincial capital Karachi.
Cyclone to be named Asna
PMD chief met said the expected cyclonic storm will be named Asna. Sardar Sarfraz said such a cyclonic storm occurring during the monsoon season is quite unusual, and in Pakistan, it is happening in decades.
As per the latest measures, there are very less chances that a depression or low-pressure area will evolve into a cyclonic storm or tropical cyclone during the monsoon season.
Currently, a deep depression located over the Rann of Kutch in India is about 270 km east/southeast of port city. It is expected to potentially become a cyclonic storm by tonight or early Friday.
Karachi, Hyderabad schools closed on Friday
Amid fear of expected storm, students in Karachi, and Hyderabad get Friday off from schools as local administration warned citizens to limit their movement.
Sindh authorities also declared a rain emergency and introduced stringent safety measures. In extreme weather conditions, deputy commissioners (DCs) got powers to declare school holidays in their districts based on ongoing weather conditions.
Mayor Karachi tells citizens to limit movement
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab told residents of Sindh, especially Karachi and Hyderabad to limit travel as a potential cyclone is expected to bring heavy rainfall to the coast on Friday morning.
Showers in port city continued for three days and warned of intensified rainfall and strong winds in the near future, urging people to limit their movements for safety.
PMD issues cyclone alert, rains in Karachi, other parts of Sindh
