Ninth Alert Issued for Cyclone ‘Shakti’; Light Rain Likely in Coastal Areas

KARACHI: The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued the ninth alert regarding the severe cyclonic storm “Shakti” over the northwestern Arabian Sea, warning of possible light rain along Sindh and Balochistan’s coastal areas.

According to the latest PMD update, the intense cyclone “Shakti” has moved west-southwestward over the past six hours and is currently located about 700 kilometers southwest of Karachi. The storm is expected to continue moving in a west/southwest direction until October 6 before turning northeast over the central and northern Arabian Sea, where it is likely to gradually weaken.

Under its influence, light rain is expected in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan today, accompanied by strong winds reaching up to 55 km/h near the coastline and rough sea conditions. Fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into deep waters until October 5.

The PMD added that wind speeds near the storm’s center may reach up to 135 km/h by this afternoon, with very high sea waves expected over the northern and western Arabian Sea from October 5 to 7.

The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi continues to monitor the system closely and will issue updates as conditions evolve.