QUETTA: The Balochistan government has declared a high alert for coastal regions, warning fishermen to take urgent safety measures as Cyclone Shakti advances toward the Arabian Sea coastline.
Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Haji Barkat Rind, advised fishermen to refrain from going into deep waters between October 4 and 6, stressing the serious threat posed by the approaching storm.
Provincial Secretary for Fisheries, Tariq Qamar Baloch, said that all fisheries field officers have been placed on full alert and are working in close coordination with the Pakistan Navy, Levies, and local administration to tackle any potential emergency.
Following the recent capsizing of 13 fishing boats near Ormara due to turbulent sea conditions, fishermen have been instructed to move their boats, engines, and nets to secure locations immediately.
A coordinated rescue operation led by the Fisheries Department, Navy, and local authorities managed to recover several stranded vessels, with heavy equipment deployed to aid in the recovery.
Haji Barkat Rind reiterated the government’s full support for the fishing community, emphasizing that fishermen form the backbone of Balochistan’s coastal economy.
Fisheries Secretary Tariq Qamar Baloch added that all concerned departments are closely monitoring the situation and assured that rapid response measures will be taken if the cyclone intensifies.
Citizens have been urged to avoid unnecessary trips to the coast and to strictly comply with safety advisories during this critical weather period.
Balochistan’s coastal belt, stretching along the Arabian Sea, has faced several devastating cyclones over the past decades, causing heavy damage to life, property, and the fishing industry.
The most destructive of these was Cyclone Yemyin in June 2007, which struck coastal districts such as Gwadar, Pasni, and Ormara, killing hundreds and destroying thousands of homes.
In 2010, Cyclone Phet brought torrential rains and severe flooding, submerging vast areas and crippling communication links.
The 2023 Arabian Sea storm Biparjoy also posed a major threat, forcing mass evacuations in coastal towns like Gwadar and Lasbela, though it eventually changed direction before making landfall.
Smaller cyclonic systems over the years have repeatedly disrupted fishing activities, damaged boats, and eroded coastlines, highlighting the vulnerability of local communities dependent on the sea.
Experts attribute the increasing intensity of these storms to climate change and rising sea temperatures, which have made the Arabian Sea more active in recent years.
In response, the provincial government has enhanced early warning systems, improved coordination with the Pakistan Meteorological Department, and strengthened rescue mechanisms to minimize future losses.
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Despite these measures, Balochistan’s coastal population remains at continual risk from powerful and unpredictable cyclones.
