KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that Cyclone Shakti in Arabian Sea intensified into a strong cyclonic storm.
According to the Met Office’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi, the storm is currently located about 390 kilometers south-southwest of Karachi. The center has issued its seventh alert, warning of potential impacts along Pakistan’s coastal belt.
The department stated that the cyclone is expected to move westward and southwestward during the next 24 hours, before changing direction toward the east and northeast, gradually weakening thereafter.
Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder is expected in Sindh’s coastal districts, including Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, and Jamshoro, while parts of Karachi may also receive rain.
The storm has been moving west-southwestward and is likely to track further into the northwest and adjoining central parts of the Arabian Sea before curving east-northeastward by late Sunday.
Meteorologists expect it to gradually weaken after recurving, reducing the threat of any direct landfall in Pakistan.
Sea conditions are forecast to remain rough to very rough, and to become high to very high till October 6.
“Fishermen are strongly advised not to venture into the open sea until October 5,” the advisory said, adding that strong currents and squally winds will make conditions near the Sindh coast highly dangerous.
An alert has been issued for the coastal areas of Makran, with meteorologists warning that the next 24 hours are critical. The Fisheries Department has also urged fishermen to remain on land.
