Cyclone ‘Shakti’ looms near as deep depression forms in Arabian Sea

Dust storms, thunder and light to moderate rain expected in Karachi, adjoining areas

A deep depression has formed in the northeastern Arabian Sea and is likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warned on Friday.

Once it develops into a cyclone, it will be named “Shakti” — meaning strength — a title proposed by Sri Lanka.

The system is currently located about 400km south of Karachi. PMD said it had already intensified in the past 12 hours, moving west and northwest, and is expected to further strengthen as it heads towards the central-northern Arabian Sea over the next 24 hours.

Read: PMD forecasts light to moderate rain, thunderstorms in Karachi

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.

Winds near Sindh’s coast may reach 55 km/h, with conditions at sea ranging from rough to very rough.

Fishermen have been advised to avoid deep-sea ventures until October 5. 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.

Read More: Karachi to receive more rain as low-pressure system intensifies

Earlier this week, PMD had issued its third tropical cyclone alert after a low-pressure system that brought rain to Karachi shifted from India’s Gujarat region into the northeastern Arabian Sea near the Saurashtra coast.

At the time, the system was about 310km southeast of Karachi and was forecast to intensify into a depression while moving westward.

The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi said it is closely monitoring developments and will continue issuing advisories. Authorities have been urged to stay alert and keep the public updated through PMD advisories.