KARACHI : The Tropical Cyclone Warning Center has issued its tenth alert regarding Severe Cyclonic Storm “Shakti,” which continues to move away from the Pakistani coastline, reducing the threat of a direct impact.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department PMD, the storm is currently situated in the northwest Arabian Sea, approximately 800 kilometers southwest of Karachi. Over the past six hours, it has tracked in a west-southwesterly direction.
The system is forecast to continue moving away from the coast over the next 12 hours, during which it is expected to gradually lose strength and be downgraded from a “Severe Cyclonic Storm” to a “Cyclonic Storm.”
While the core of the storm will remain far at sea, its outer influence may bring light rain to the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan. The main impacts will be felt out at sea, where the Met Office has warned of strong winds and rough conditions that could cause flooding in coastal areas. Wind speeds along the coast are predicted to be 40 to 50 km per hour, with gusts potentially reaching 55 km per hour.
Also read:Balochistan issues coastal alert on cyclone Shakti
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.
