Cyclone Shakti Intensifies in Arabian Sea, Alerts Issued

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) reported on Saturday that Cyclone Shakti has intensified in the northeastern Arabian Sea, evolving into a severe cyclonic storm. The system is currently situated approximately 390 kilometers southwest of Karachi, according to weather authorities.

Significant turbulence is forecast to persist over the central-northern and northern Arabian Sea for the subsequent 36 hours. Rough sea conditions are anticipated along Sindh’s coastal region.

The Met Office indicated that rainfall is expected in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kech. Karachi may experience light to moderate showers accompanied by thunderstorms.

Sustained winds near the storm’s center are projected to range from 90 to 100 kilometers per hour, with potential gusts reaching 110km/h by the evening. Sindh’s coastal areas may experience winds of 40-50km/h, with gusts near the sea potentially reaching 55km/h.

On Friday, the PMD issued a warning stating that a deep depression in the northeast Arabian Sea had intensified into Cyclone “Shakti,” positioned about 360 kilometers south of Karachi.

The PMD cautioned that sea conditions would fluctuate from rough to very rough, escalating to high to very high over the central north Arabian Sea from October 3–6.

The advisory strongly urged fishermen to avoid venturing into the open sea until October 5, highlighting dangerous sea conditions near the Sindh coast due to strong currents and squally winds.

Effects of the storm are visible along the Makran coast, where strong sea winds are impacting Ormara and Pasni, threatening anchored boats. Local fishermen are securing their vessels ashore, although several boats have already suffered damage.

An alert has been activated in Makran’s coastal regions. Meteorologists emphasize the criticality of the next 24 hours, and the Fisheries Department has advised fishermen against sea voyages.

Local officials have been instructed to prepare for potential urban flooding in low-lying areas, as sea intrusion and high tides could combine with rainwater, posing drainage challenges.

The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi is diligently monitoring the system and will continue providing updates. The alert has been communicated to various stakeholders, including the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial governments, coastal development authorities, port authorities in Karachi and Gwadar, and fisherfolk organizations.

Officials indicate that the situation will become clearer by the evening of October 4, as the storm’s trajectory becomes more defined. While Karachi is not currently in the cyclone’s direct path, the city and the coastal belt of Sindh remain susceptible to high winds, substantial rainfall, and turbulent seas in the coming days.