A low pressure system in the north west Arabian Sea has intensified into a depression (strong weather system) and can possibly convert into a tropical cyclone. It is expected to reach the coastal belt of Sindh and Balochistan in the next 24 hours.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department, the current sea surface temperature favours the development of this weather system into a tropical cyclone on Thursday evening.
The chief meteorologist, Naeem Shah, told The Express Tribune that the depression is around 500 kilometers (km) to the south of Karachi and 200 km from Bombay. “It will reach the coastal areas of Sindh and Makran on Friday, and it will affect these areas till Tuesday.” He added that medium rainfall is also expected in Karachi on Friday evening.
The wind speed has been estimated to be around 30 knots on Friday. On Saturday and Sunday the wind speed will reach up to 50 to 60 knots. Those fishermen who are currently in the open sea have been directed through the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) to return to the shore by Friday. The DCOs of coastal districts such as Thatta, Badin, Keti Bandar, Shah Bandar and Jati have been asked to shift their constituents to safer places.
Meanwhile, Governor Ishratul Ebad Khan has directed the relevant officials of the Disaster Management Authority, the city governments and the health department to remain vigilant. He also instructed that the necessary staff should be put on emergency duty.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 9th, 2011.
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