ISLAMABAD/KARACHI: Cyclone “Shakhti” has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northeast Arabian Sea and is now centred about 390 kilometre south-southwest of Karachi, Pakistan Meteorological Department said on Saturday.
The system is forecast to move west-southwest before curving eastward and gradually weakening by Sunday.
In its current phase, light to moderate rain is expected over the Karachi Division and districts including Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, and Jamshoro.
Wind and sea conditions
The weather department warns of gale wind speeds between 90 and 100 km/h near the cyclone’s centre, with gusts up to 110 km/h; these may increase to 125 km/h in the next 36 hours.
Coastal winds along Sindh are expected at 40–50 km/h, with gusts up to 55 km/h, and sea conditions will be “rough to very rough.”
Fishermen have been strongly advised not to venture into deep sea waters until October 5.
Local impact
Parts of Karachi may witness light to moderate showers and thunderstorms in the coming hours. The coastal belt of Sindh and adjacent districts are under alert as strong currents, high tides, and local flooding are possible, particularly in low-lying urban zones.
Authorities at national, provincial and local levels, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), port authorities, municipal agencies, and fisherfolk networks, have been placed on high alert and urged to monitor PMD updates closely.
The coming 24 to 36 hours are considered critical, as Shakhti may intensify further or shift its track.
Shakhti originated as a deep depression over the northeast Arabian Sea and gradually strengthened under favourable conditions. Its name means “power” and was contributed by Sri Lanka.
The Pakistan weather department’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi remains the principal tracker of the system and will issue regular advisories.
