The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a weather alert for Karachi as heavy rain along with gusty winds is expected in the port city and other parts of Sindh under the tropical cyclone Tauktae which is intensifying in the Arabian Sea.
According to a spokesperson of the Met Office, the cyclone Tauktae is currently at a distance of 1,460km southeast of Karachi and the storm will move towards the coast of the Indian Gujrat in northwest within 12 to 18 hours.
“Heavy rainfall is expected in Karachi during May 17 (Monday) to May 20 under the influence of the weather system,” the Met Office predicted about Karachi weather.
“Coastal districts of Thatta and Badin could also receive dusty winds and heavy rain spells along with Thar, Mirpur Khas, Umarkot and Sanghar districts in Sindh under the influence of the system,” said the Met Office.
Furthermore, it is expected that widespread rain with heavy falls and gusty winds of 70-90kmph are likely to occur in Thatta, Badin, Thar, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot and Sanghar districts from 17 May to 20 May.
“Rain-dust/thunderstorm with few heavy falls and gusty winds of 40-60kmph also likely in Karachi, Hyderabad, Jamshoro, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Shikarpur, Jacobabad and Dadu from May 18 to May 20,” the alert added.
Fishermen have been advised not to venture into deep sea during this period as conditions will be very rough.
Earlier, the Met Office predicted a heatwave for Karachi and said that temperatures are expected to rise in the port city and day time temperature may rise to 40-42 degrees Celsius.
Read more: Karachi Weather: Temperature may rise to 42 degrees.
CM Sindh Declares Emergency in coastal districts
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has declared an emergency on Saturday in all coastal districts of the province as cyclone Tauktae continues to intensify and move towards the region.
The decision has been taken as a precaution so any untoward situation can be avoided. “A control room should be established at the chief secretary’s office to keep close coordination with all the districts, in respect of their requirements and giving them necessary instruction on behalf of the government,” he said.
Murad Ali Shah also directed Karachi administrator and the commissioner to start removing billboards and to ask builders to take precautionary measures for safeguarding the under-construction buildings.
Furthermore, he directed the city administration to clean up all choking points of storm-water drains to avoid flooding.
He also directed Tharparker district administration to take appropriate measures as the area was expected to receive heavy rainfall.
“All the district administrations should make alternate arrangements for accommodation, in case it becomes necessary to shift citizens,” he said.
Emergency Numbers in case of emergency in Karachi during heavy rain and storm
Read more: CM Sindh establishes Central Control Cell [Helpline Numbers].
