Karachi, August 31, 2024 – Karachi has been experiencing continuous rainfall since 7 AM on Saturday as Cyclone Asna looms ominously over the city. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a warning as the deep depression over the Rann of Kutch coast in India and the adjoining northeast Arabian Sea intensified into a Cyclonic Storm, now named “Asna.”
How far is Cyclone Asna From Karachi?
As of 4 AM, the storm was located approximately 170 kilometers south/southeast of Karachi and 88 kilometers south of Kati Bandar, at coordinates Latitude 23.5 N & Longitude 67.9 E. The system is expected to continue its westward to northwestward trajectory, posing a significant threat to the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
Heavy Rains
Under the influence of Cyclone Asna, widespread rain accompanied by wind-thunderstorms is expected across various districts of Sindh, including Karachi, Tharparker, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad. The PMD forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall, with isolated areas potentially experiencing extremely heavy downpours. This weather pattern is expected to persist until August 31.
In Balochistan, districts including Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar are also likely to experience similar conditions from August 30 to September 1, with occasional breaks in the rain.
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Risks of Flooding and Rough Sea Conditions
The heavy rainfall raises concerns about waterlogging and potential flooding in low-lying areas along the Sindh-Makran coast. Additionally, the sea conditions are predicted to remain extremely rough, with squally winds reaching speeds of 60-70 km/h and gusts up to 80 km/h.
The PMD has advised fishermen in Sindh to avoid venturing into the sea until August 31, and those in Balochistan until September 1, to avoid the dangerous conditions.
Monitoring and Precautions
The PMD’s Cyclone Warning Center in Karachi is closely monitoring the storm and will provide updates as the situation develops. Authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and stay informed through the PMD’s advisories to ensure public safety.
As the city braces for more rain, residents are advised to take necessary precautions and stay indoors to avoid any untoward incidents during this critical period.
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