Rain expected in Karachi as cyclonic storm develops in Arabian Sea

However the storm will likely not hit any of Pakistan’s coastal areas directly says PMD

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has warned that a ‘Very Severe Cyclonic Storm’, Kyarr, is developing over the East Central Arabian Sea and is currently centered around 800 kilometres off Karachi.

The Met Department clarified, however, that storm would likely not hit any of Pakistan’s coastal areas directly, adding that it was expected to move towards the coast of Oman over the next few days. “Under its influence, scattered rain is expected in lower Sindh and along the Makran Coast from Monday till Wednesday,” said the PMD advisory.

Meanwhile, the Fishermen Cooperative Society has placed restrictions on fishing for the over three days, in the wake of cyclone warnings issued by the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

According to Karachi Fish Harbour Security In-Charge Nasir Boneri, the restrictions have been placed to ensure fishermen's security in case of any extraordinary development and to protect them from the effects of the cyclone.

He said that port clearance will also not be issued to launches until the restrictions on fishing are lifted. Boneri said that launches have been stationed at various fish harbours including Rochan, Ibrahim Hyderi, Karachi Fish Harbour, Hawkes Bay, Shams Pir, Mubarak Village and Dam Boleji. The launches that have already left for the sea, have been directed via satellite phones to reach nearby jetties as soon as possible, he added.