Cyclone Asna Diverts from Karachi, Coastal Areas at Risk

Cyclone Asana, which formed over the Arabian Sea, has now descended over Karachi. Coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan are still facing warnings of heavy rains and strong winds. Residents are advised to be conservative, as rainfall conditions continue to worsen in some areas.

Cyclone Asna’s Current Position and Path

As of Saturday morning, Cyclone Asana was located about 200 km southwest of Karachi. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is covering the movement of the cyclone, which is now moving further west-southwest. According to the latest update, the storm is centered 220 km southeast of Ormara and 380 km southeast of Gwadar.

PMD vaticinations Heavy Rains and Winds Continue

Although the cyclone Asna is moving down the coast of Pakistan, its effects are still likely to bring strong winds and heavy rains in many areas. The PMD has forecast rain with some heavy cloudbursts, accompanied by winds of 60-70 kmph, and gusts of up to 80 kmph. These conditions are expected to affect areas like Karachi, Badin, Thatta, Hyderabad, and more.

Residents in coastal areas, especially in the corridor of Sindh and Balochistan, should be prepared for possible urban flooding and waterlogging. The PMD has warned that rough sea conditions will persist, and fishermen are advised to stay ashore. In Balochistan, parts like Lasbela, Awaran, and Gwadar are read to witness uniform rainfall patterns till Sunday night.

Rare Cyclone Conformation During Thunderstorm Season

Cyclone Asna is notable for being a rare occurrence during the typhoon season. PMD Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfraz explained that it is unusual for storms to form during this period. “There is an 80 chance of a volcano developing into a typhoon when deep pressure moves from land to sea and favorable conditions prevail,” Sarfraz said.

If Cyclone Asna intensifies further, it would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea to form in August since 1976. The storm has been named” Asna,” a name suggested by Pakistan in agreement with a picking convention followed by a panel of 13 countries.

Implicit Pitfalls Civic Flooding and Rough Swell

Given the cast, heavy rains may cause urban flooding in low-lying areas along Makran’s coast. Sea conditions are expected to remain hazardous with gusts of up to 80 km/h and winds reaching the pet. The PMD has issued strict advisories to residents and fishermen in these areas, advising them to avoid going into the sea. All fishing and sand-related conditioning, including swimming and diving, remains prohibited in Karachi and coastal areas.

Madrasas in Karachi and Hyderabad were closed on Friday due to damage and flooding caused by heavy rains. Officials are keeping a close watch on the situation, with the Disaster Operation Brigade on the buttress in case of extremism.

Casualties and Damage Across Pakistan Due to Heavy Rains

While the cyclone has turned away from Karachi, the heavy rains it has caused have already caused significant damage across Pakistan. More than two dozen people died in rain-related incidents across the country on Friday.

In Sindh, 9 people lost their lives in Jamshoro, Dadu, and Mirpurkhas sections. Flash cataracts and ruptured semesters caused widespread desolation, sweeping away mud houses and breaching dykes. More than 30 people were injured, raising fears of damage from heavy rains.

Balochistan has also been severely affected, with 13 people reported missing due to cataracts in parts like Loralai, Qila Saifullah, and Harnai. Due to the flood situation, many areas have been flooded, in which relief operations are underway.

Cyclone Asna’s Impact Extends Beyond Pakistan

Cyclone Asna has also wreaked havoc in areas bordering India, where at least 31 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents over a week. In Gujarat, another 8,700 people have been evacuated from ten parts as authorities prepare for more rain-related intensification.

Conclusion

While Cyclone Asna has moved down from Karachi, its effects are still being felt across the region. Heavy rains, strong winds, and the threat of urban flooding continue to cause hardship for residents of the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. Officials are encouraging the public to be vigilant and follow safety protocols as they navigate this rare storm season.

Stay tuned for more updates from PMD and actual authorities, and be conservative as rain conditions can still change rapidly.