Heavy rain in Karachi likely as cyclone moves away from Sindh’s coast

Vehicles passing through rainwater during the heavy rain in Karachi on March 24, 2023. — INP

Cyclone Asna now positioned about 185km from Karachi.
Weather system expected to move towards Oman.
Quaidabad records highest rainfall in past 24hrs.

KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) issued an alert on Saturday in which it revealed that the cyclone Asna, moving away from Sindh’s coastal belt, is now positioned at about 230 kilometres from Karachi, 180km from Ormara and 300km from Gwadar.

The alert states that the system is expected to track further west-southwestwards towards the coastal belt of Balochistan and then towards Oman.

However, the storm is likely to weaken and dissipate in the sea, posing no threat of making landfall on any coast, as confirmed by the Met Office in the alert.

During this time, the meteorological department said that the sea conditions may remain rough as sea winds are expected to blow at 60 to 70km/hour in the metropolis.

The authority advised fishermen of Sindh not to venture into sea today while those in Balochistan must avoid going into the deep sea till tomorrow.

Additionally, the NDMA’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) alerted Karachiites of coastal flooding along the coast of Sindh and pluvial flooding or inundation may occur in low lying areas of the province.

Earlier, the Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) forecast showed a possibility of heavy rain with strong winds and intermittent thundershowers in Karachi, Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan and other districts of Sindh by today evening or at night.

Additionally, heavy rain is also likely in Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Kech and Gwadar districts of Balochistan till tomorrow (Sunday) night.

Meanwhile, according to the NDMA’s advisory, the port city is also expected to experience strong windstorms that may damage crops, loose structures, like billboards, electrical poles, solar panels and hoardings.

The advisory warned the general public against visiting the seaside and beach areas. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.

Thunderstorms may increase risk of lightning strikes and electricity, along with other utility services may get disrupted, the NDMA said.

The authority has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather.

Karachi areas receive rain early morning

The traffic police in Karachi advised drivers to drive at a slower speed and at a distance from other vehicles as the city received rain throughout last night under the influence of cyclone Asna.

Earlier today, Karachi’s II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Burns Road and surrounding areas were drenched with rain while heavy rain hit areas including Defense View, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Defence, Korangi, Qayyumabad and Sharea Faisal.

Additionally, Nursery, PECHS, Tariq Road, Clifton, Kharadar, Tower, Boat Basin, Garden, Exhibition, and MA Jinnah Road also received rainfall Saturday morning.

Drivers must avoid braking suddenly as it may potentially lead to a disaster, owing to the slippery roads as a result of wet conditions, traffic police said.

Karachi’s Rizvia, Gulbahar, Nazimabad, Model Colony, Airport, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Landhi, Guru Mandir, Federal B Area, Ayesha Manzil, Karimabad, Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, and other areas also received rainfall.

Following is the amount of rainfall that various areas in Karachi received in the last 24 hours.