Cyclone Asna has shifted approximately 230 kilometers from Karachi, 180 kilometers from Ormara, and 300 kilometers from Gwadar, according to an alert issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday.
As the cyclone continues to move away from Sindh’s coastal belt, it is expected to track further west-southwest towards the coastal areas of Oman before dissipating in the sea without making landfall on any coast. Despite this, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) warns that sea conditions will remain rough, with winds potentially reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/hour in Karachi.
The NDMA has advised fishermen in Sindh to avoid venturing into the sea today, while those in Balochistan are urged to stay away from deep-sea areas until tomorrow.
In anticipation of the cyclone’s impact, the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) has alerted residents to the risk of coastal flooding along Sindh’s coast and potential flooding or inundation in low-lying areas. The NEOC also warned of strong windstorms in the city, posing threats to crops, billboards, electrical poles, solar panels, and hoardings. Additionally, thunderstorms could increase the risk of lightning strikes, potentially disrupting electricity and other utility services.
The public is strongly advised to avoid visiting seaside and beach areas due to the potential hazards. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidance provided by local authorities.
The NDMA has instructed all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the potential effects of flooding and extreme weather.
Rainfall in Karachi
In the early hours of Saturday, Karachi experienced rainfall influenced by Cyclone Asna. The city’s traffic police have advised drivers to maintain slower speeds and keep a safe distance from other vehicles due to slippery roads caused by the wet conditions.
Areas such as II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Burns Road, Defense View, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Defence, Korangi, Qayyumabad, and Sharea Faisal were among those hit by rain. Other areas, including Nursery, PECHS, Tariq Road, Clifton, Kharadar, Tower, Boat Basin, Garden, Exhibition, MA Jinnah Road, Rizvia, Gulbahar, Nazimabad, Model Colony, Airport, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Landhi, Guru Mandir, Federal B Area, Ayesha Manzil, Karimabad, Liaquatabad, and Teen Hatti, also received rainfall.
Below are the recorded rainfall amounts in various areas of Karachi over the past 24 hours:
- Quaidabad: 39 mm (highest)
- Surjani Town: 24 mm
- Korangi: 18.4 mm
- Nazimabad: 17 mm
- North Karachi: 16.5 mm
- University Road: 16 mm
- Jinnah Terminal: 16 mm
- Airport: 15 mm
- Mauripur: 13 mm
- Mosamyat: 12.4 mm
- Gulshan-e-Maymar: 11.8 mm
- Keamari: 8.8 mm (lowest)
