Karachi: Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Monday warned that a well-marked low-pressure system lying over Gujarat, India, may intensify into a tropical cyclone after emerging into the northeast Arabian Sea around October 1, raising concerns of strong winds, heavy rains, and potential damage across parts of Sindh.
According to the PMD’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi, the low-pressure system is expected to move west-northwest and could strengthen into a depression once it enters the Arabian Sea near India’s Saurashtra region. While officials clarified that there is currently no direct threat to Pakistan’s coastal belt, they cautioned that the system is being closely monitored for possible developments.
The National Weather Forecasting Centre in Islamabad said moist currents from the Arabian Sea are already penetrating southeastern Sindh, bringing widespread rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to Karachi, Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Sujawal, Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Khairpur, Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan and Jamshoro from September 29 night until October 2. Isolated moderate to heavy downpours are likely in Tharparkar, Umerkot, and Mirpurkhas during the period.
The PMD cautioned that windstorms and lightning may damage weak structures such as the walls and roofs of kacha houses, electric poles, billboards, vehicles, and solar panels. Travelers and tourists have been advised to avoid unnecessary movement in vulnerable areas and remain updated on the evolving weather situation.
In its advisory, the Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) directed all Deputy Commissioners and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) to stay on high alert and take preventive measures to minimize risks.
“Windstorm and lightning may damage weak structures, while moderate to heavy falls could create urban flooding and disrupt power supply. Authorities must ensure readiness to respond to any untoward situation,” PDMA Assistant Director Ajay Kumar Sewani stated in the alert.
Officials warned that the combination of the low-pressure system and a fresh westerly wave approaching northern Pakistan by October 3 could create complex weather conditions, with chances of flooding in low-lying areas, disruption to transport, and hazards to crops.
The PMD reiterated that its tropical cyclone centre is continuously monitoring the system and updates will be shared through official platforms, including its website, Pak Weather app, and CAP alerts.
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