The imminent threat of Cyclone Asna has passed for Karachi as the storm, which formed in the Arabian Sea, has begun moving away from the city.
Currently, the cyclone is located approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Karachi and moving westward towards Muscat and Oman, where it is expected to dissipate in the sea, according to the Met Department.
The Omani media says Cyclone Asna is 900 kilometers from its coast, causing winds to blow at 40 miles per hour. It says rain is likely to start in the country's coastal area when the storm is 760km away.
While Karachi is no longer in the direct path of the cyclone, the city and its surrounding areas are experiencing severe weather conditions, which will continue their effects over the next two days.
Meteorologist Anjum Nazir has indicated that Karachi may witness both light and heavy rainfall today, which will continue for the next two days. Winds are anticipated to blow at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometers per hour, and reach up to 80km, further influenced by the distant cyclone.
Also Read: Cyclone Asna: Flights at Karachi airport cancelled, delayed
“The storm is moving towards Muscat and Oman, and it will end in the sea itself,” said Nazir. He also added that while the danger has passed for Karachi, residents should remain cautious due to the expected weather conditions.
The cyclone is present in the northeast of the Arabian Sea and continues to move westward during the last six hours. It was now positioned at least 230km south and southeast of Ormara and 300km southeast of Gwadar. In Karachi, there will be light and heavy rains with strong winds.
Under the cyclone's influence, the Karachi division, as well as the districts of Badin, Thatta, Sajawal, Hyderabad, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allah Yar, Matiari, Jamshoro, and other areas, were expected to experience more rain with thundershowers.
The cyclone is currently causing winds to blow at speeds of 60 to 70 kilometres per hour in the affected regions. This intense weather is expected to persist until August 31 in Sindh's Dadu district and until September 1 in the districts of Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar in Balochistan.
Also Read: Cyclone Alert: Karachi Port suspends operations, issues high alert
The Met Department has also warned that heavy rains could lead to waterlogging in coastal and low-lying areas of Makran.
Earlier, the cyclone intensified weather conditions in Karachi, with strong winds and heavy rains lashing various parts of the city. Areas such as Hawke's Bay, Mauripur, Clifton, Defense, Korangi, Landhi, Quaidabad, Malir, and Shah Faisal Town reported significant rainfall.
Early in the morning, rain lashed the city with strong winds and even caused a severe flood in the sea. The situation is particularly concerning at Hawke's Bay, where rising sea levels are causing water to breach the huts and reach the roads.
Authorities, including the police, have issued warnings to citizens, advising them to avoid visiting the sea for the next two days as a precautionary measure. Fishermen in Sindh have been instructed to stay off the sea until August 31, while fishermen in Balochistan are advised to avoid the sea until September 1.
Flight disruptions
Flight operations at Karachi airport are facing significant disruptions due to the high pressure system associated with Cyclone Asna in the Arabian Sea. The cyclone has caused severe weather conditions, making it difficult for flights to land safely.
According to aviation sources, several international flights have been affected. A flight from Doha, Qatar (QR-610), attempted to land at Karachi airport but was forced to divert to Muscat after an hour of circling. Similarly, a flight from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, managed to land in Karachi only after a one-hour detour due to the challenging weather conditions.
Also Read: Karachi on alert as Cyclone Asna to intensify into hurricane within next six hours
The ongoing strike and adverse weather have led to the cancellation of 12 flights scheduled to depart from the Karachi airport. Among the affected flights, a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight from Karachi to Islamabad has been delayed by eight and a half hours.
Incoming flights from Istanbul, Turkey, and Bahrain have also experienced delays in their departure from Karachi.
In response to the cyclone threat, the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has issued an alert. According to a spokesman, the movement of ships and their operations have been temporarily halted.
All departments and staff have been instructed to remain on high alert, with ships at the port being advised to secure their moorings tightly to prevent any mishaps. The spokesperson further emphasized that these measures are being implemented to safeguard both port operations and the maritime community.
