PMD issues cyclone alert for Sindh

KARACHI: A potential cyclone that has developed over the Rann of Kutch in India is likely to emerge along the Sindh coast late Thursday or Friday morning, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).

According to a PMD alert issued today, a deep depression over the Rann of Kutch has very slowly moved west/southwest over the last 12 hours and now lies around 270 kilometres east/southeast of Karachi.

“The system is likely to move west/southwestwards & emerge into northeast Arabian Sea along Sindh coast by late night/ tomorrow morning,” the statement read.

It added that due to “favourable environmental conditions”, the system is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm by tomorrow and initially move in a west/southwest direction.

Intense weather disrupts flight schedule

Under the system’s influence, widespread rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy rainfall, are expected till August 31 with occasional gaps in the Karachi division as well as Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu and Shaheed Benazirabad districts.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till August 31. PMD’s cyclone warning center is monitoring the system and will issue updates accordingly.

“PMD’s cyclone warning centre in Karachi is monitoring the system and will issue the update accordingly,” the statement said. “The concerned authorities are requested to keep them abreast through PMD advisory.”