KARACHI (Kashmir English): The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Friday warned that a deep depression has formed over the northeastern Arabian Sea and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, which will be named “Cyclone Shakti”.
The word “Shakti” means “power”, a name contributed by Sri Lanka.
The Met Office stated that the well-marked low-pressure area (WML) adjoining the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat (India), which intensified into a depression during the last 12 hours, lies at about 440km south of Karachi.
The system is likely to move southwestwards towards the northwest Arabian Sea over the next couple of days.
“Under its influence, Karachi, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Mohammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, and Jamshoro are likely to receive dust storms and light to moderate rain with thunder tonight,” it added.
The PMD further warned that sea conditions are likely to remain rough, with winds near Sindh’s coast may reach 40-50 km/h, with conditions at sea ranging from rough to very rough.
The statement cautioned fishermen against venturing into the deep sea until October 5.
“Squally winds reaching 45-55 gusting to 65Km/h around the system center, with sea conditions are likely to remain rough to very rough over the central-west central Arabian Sea during the next couple of days,” it added.
By October 4, wind speeds around the system may surge to 125 km/h, while high sea waves are expected in the northern and central Arabian Sea between October 3 and 6.
“PMD’s cyclone warning center, Karachi, is monitoring the system and will issue the update accordingly. The concerned authorities are requested to keep them abreast through PMD advisory,” PMD said.
