From Zeeshan Mirza
KARACHI: A deep depression located around 250km south-southeast of Karachi is poised to evolve into a rare cyclonic storm as it moves westward towards Oman, raising alarms across Pakistan’s coastal regions.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned of the potential storm, which could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southern districts of Sindh, including Karachi, and along the Makran coast.
The depression, which formed over the Rann of Kutch in India, has been moving west-southwestward over the past 12 hours and now lies at around Latitude 23.6 N & Longitude 69.2 E at about 250km east/southeast of Karachi.
Meanwhile, Director General of the Meteorological Department, Sahibzada Khan, has stated in a press conference that Cyclone Asna has transformed into a deep depression upon reaching Rajasthan. “This is the first time in 60 years, since 1964, that such a cyclone has formed. Currently, it is located 200 kilometres south of Karachi and may intensify into a tropical storm within the next six hours,” he said.
Khan further noted that the severe low-pressure system is highly likely to evolve into a cyclone within the next six hours. This could result in strong winds and heavy, torrential rain across Karachi Division, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Matiari, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Dadu, and Shaheed Benazirabad districts. Certain areas of Balochistan might also be affected.
Speaking about the monsoon rains, Khan mentioned that another spell of rain is expected in the upper regions from 2 to 4 September. However, conditions in Sindh and Balochistan are expected to improve, with the monsoon showing more of its effects in the northern areas. He added, “Despite these rains, water stress will remain in Mangla Dam in the upcoming season.”
Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfaraz described the situation as a “rare phenomenon,” stating, “There is an 80 per cent chance for a cyclonic storm’s formation when the deep depression would move from land to the sea and get favourable conditions. It would be a rare event as cyclones are uncommon in the monsoon season.”
Dr Sarfaraz further explained that if the storm materializes, it would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976 and would be named ‘Asna,’ a name proposed by Pakistan.
He added that regional cyclones are named according to a list prepared by a 13-country panel, including Pakistan.
Despite the storm not posing a direct threat to Pakistan’s coastline, its impact could still be significant. Torrential rains associated with the storm could lead to urban flooding and inundation in low-lying areas, including Karachi.
“Sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough with squally winds 50-60 km/hour gusting to 70 km/hour,” warned the PMD.
In light of these developments, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has urged residents to avoid “unnecessary movement.”
He took to X, saying, “I would urge the residents of Karachi especially bike riders to avoid unnecessary movement. Stay safe everyone & in case of any emergency call 1339.” The Karachi commissioner’s office has also announced a holiday for schools on August 30 (Friday) due to the anticipated severe weather.
