Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel as heavy rainfall is anticipated from a potential cyclone forming over the Rann of Kutch in India. The cyclone is expected to reach the Sindh coast late Thursday night or early tomorrow (Friday) morning.

“It’s been raining since last three days and in the next few hours, it is expected that there will be heavier rainfall with strong winds,” Mayor Wahab said on X as he urged people to avoid unnecessary movement.

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an alert earlier in the day, indicating that a deep depression over the Rann of Kutch has been moving slowly west/southwest and is currently located approximately 270-kilometres east/southeast of Karachi.

Live radar from Zoom Earth shows a high probability that this system will develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

The PMD stated that the system is likely to strengthen into a cyclonic storm due to favourable environmental conditions and will continue to move west/southwest into the northeast Arabian Sea along the Sindh coast.

Under the system’s influence, widespread rain and thunderstorms, along with isolated heavy rainfall, are expected till August 31 in Karachi, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hyderabad, and other districts. Sea conditions are also likely to remain very rough with squally winds.

Fishermen advised not to venture into sea till Aug 31

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the sea till August 31. PMD’s cyclone warning centre is monitoring the system and will issue updates accordingly.

This weather system follows a powerful windstorm and heavy showers that lashed Karachi on Tuesday, disrupting life and damaging infrastructure.

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Karachi receives light drizzle as weather turns pleasant

Karachi receives light drizzle as weather turns pleasant

Weather forecast says Karachi to get spell of heavy rain from Thursday

The Met Office had forecast up to 200mm rain in Karachi and 500mm in other Sindh cities, prompting authorities to take measures to deal with the potential risk of urban flooding.

The Sindh chief minister was informed that up to 500mm of rainfall was expected during the four-day spell (August 27-30) in various districts, while Karachi may get up to 200mm during the same period.

Authorities are urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions as the potential cyclone approaches the Sindh coast.

Departments to remain alert

Moreover, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has instructed local authorities and relevant departments to stay alert in light of the impending severe weather.

In a statement released by his spokesperson Abdul Rasheed Channa, CM Murad emphasised that all necessary preparations must be made to handle any potential emergencies. He specifically directed the health department to enhance arrangements in hospitals across the province.

Additionally, the chief minister issued guidelines to the fisheries department to ensure the safety of fishermen due to the “extraordinary sea conditions.” He also ordered the water department to continuously monitor rivers, streams, and other waterways to mitigate risks associated with the weather.

Public gatherings banned

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi issued a notification stating that the ban is enforced under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) to prevent drowning incidents and safeguard public safety.

The notification noted that sea conditions are expected to be rough to very rough, with winds reaching 50 to 60km/h.

The South district commissioner raised concerns about the dangerous conditions for individuals visiting the beach or engaging in fishing activities. Additionally, the Keamari district commissioner reported high tides and turbulent waves in the Arabian Sea.

Commissioner Naqvi has authorized local police to file charges under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against anyone violating the ban. Furthermore, all public and private schools in Karachi will remain closed on Friday.