Quetta: The effects of Cyclone Shakti have reached Balochistan, with Quetta engulfed in a massive dust storm. For the past 24 hours, the valley has been covered in thick dust, drastically reducing visibility and causing inconvenience to residents.
The dry and dusty winds have also led to a sudden drop in temperature. Meteorologists attribute the dusty conditions across central Balochistan, including Quetta, to the impact of Cyclone Shakti.
According to weather expert Muhammad Afzal, the cyclone has shifted wind patterns toward the sea, spreading dust from Quetta and Kandahar across central parts of Balochistan.
He added that weather conditions are expected to gradually improve over the next 24 to 36 hours as the cyclone weakens and air circulation stabilizes.
Cyclone Shakti is a powerful tropical storm that formed over the Arabian Sea, moving toward the coastal regions of Pakistan and India.
The system intensified due to rising sea surface temperatures and favorable wind patterns, producing strong gusts, heavy rainfall along coastal belts, and widespread dust storms inland.
As the cyclone’s outer bands reached Balochistan, the pressure changes and wind shifts caused dry, dusty conditions in areas far from the coastline, including Quetta and its surroundings.
While Balochistan did not experience direct rainfall from Shakti, the storm’s peripheral effects led to severe dust storms, reduced visibility, and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Meteorological departments have advised residents to take precautions, particularly those with respiratory issues, until the dust settles.
Cyclone Shakti is expected to lose strength gradually as it moves further inland and dissipates over the next few days.
Yesterday, the cyclone caused a wind storm in the sea and some 13 boats were stuck.
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The ships were later on rescued in an operation and the fisheries department of Balochistan had issued a threat of Shakti Cyclone and had asked the fishermen not to go far into the Arabian sea to ensure the safety of their lives.
