Heavy rains in Karachi as cyclone moves away from Sindh coast

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

Cyclone Asna is now about 185 kilometres from Karachi.
The weather system is expected to move towards Oman.
Quaidabad records highest rainfall in last 24 hours.

KARACHI: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on Saturday issued an alert, revealing that Cyclone Asna, moving away from the coastal belt of Sindh, is now about 230 km from Karachi, 180 km from Ormara and 300 km from Gwadar.

The alert indicates that the system is expected to continue its west-southwestward path towards the coastal belt of Balochistan and then towards Oman.

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

During this time, the meteorological department said sea conditions may remain rough as offshore winds are expected to blow at a speed of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour in the metropolis.

Fishermen in Sindh have been advised not to venture into the sea today, while those in Balochistan should avoid deep waters till tomorrow.

In addition, the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) of NDMA has alerted residents of Karachi about coastal flooding along the Sindh coast and possible pluvial flooding or inundation in low-lying areas of the province.

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

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

Meanwhile, according to the NDMA advisory, the port city is also expected to experience strong windstorms that may damage crops and loosen structures, such as billboards, electric poles, solar panels and hoardings.

The advisory warns the general public not to visit coastal areas or beaches. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow the recommendations of local authorities.

Thunderstorms can increase the risk of lightning strikes and disruptions to power and other utilities, 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 early morning rain

Karachi traffic police have advised drivers to drive at a slower speed and keep a distance from other vehicles as the city received rain overnight under the influence of Cyclone Asna.

Earlier today, Karachi's II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Burns Road and surrounding areas were drenched by rain, while heavy rains affected areas including Defence View, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Defence, Korangi, Qayyumabad and Sharea Faisal.

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

Drivers should avoid sudden braking as this could lead to disaster, due to slippery roads resulting from wet conditions, traffic police said.

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 of Karachi also received rains.

Below is the amount of rainfall received by various areas of Karachi in the last 24 hours.