A potential cyclone forming over India’s Rann of Kutch is expected to reach the Sindh coast late tonight or by tomorrow morning, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported on Thursday.
In a 10am alert, the PMD stated that a deep depression over the Rann of Kutch has gradually moved west/southwest over the past 12 hours and is now positioned about 270 kilometers east/southeast of Karachi.
“The system is projected to shift west/southwestwards and enter the northeast Arabian Sea along the Sindh coast by late tonight or early tomorrow morning,” the alert said.
The PMD added that “favorable environmental conditions” could cause the system to intensify into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow, with an initial movement in a west/southwest direction.
Under the system’s influence, widespread rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy rainfall, are expected in Karachi, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad districts through August 31, with intermittent breaks.
A satellite image captured at 9:30am on Aug 29, 2024, shows a deep depression developing over the northeast Arabian Sea. — PMD Sea conditions are expected to become very rough, with squally winds reaching speeds of 50 to 60 km/hour, the PMD alert warned. Fishermen are advised to avoid venturing into the sea until August 31.
“PMD’s cyclone warning center in Karachi is closely monitoring the system and will provide updates as needed,” the alert continued. “Authorities are urged to stay informed through PMD advisories.”
The powerful weather system first made its impact felt early Tuesday morning, with strong winds and heavy showers hitting Karachi, disrupting daily life, and damaging infrastructure.
In the last 24 hours, the Tharparkar district recorded the highest rainfall in Sindh, with 347 millimeters spread across seven tehsils, according to the PMD.
Karachi saw a total of 190mm of rainfall, with Surjani Town receiving the most at 30mm.
Mirpurkhas district recorded 143mm of rainfall, while Hyderabad and Badin saw 116mm and 112mm, respectively.
The Met Office reported maximum wind speeds of 67 km/hour at Masroor Base and 52 km/hour at Faisal Base.
The PMD’s forecast of up to 200mm of rain in Karachi and 500mm in other Sindh cities has prompted authorities to take urgent measures to mitigate the risk of urban flooding.
