The coastal areas of Balochistan have been reeling under the effects of Cyclone Shaheen as the storm lashes the region with high winds and heavy rains.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued seventh alert for the cyclone on Saturday and said wind speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour have been recorded near the cyclone. The storm is roughly 125 kilometers away from Gwadar in the Arabian Sea.
It is reported that strong gusts of wind have knocked down power poles in several areas, resulting in numerous outages. Boats moored at in the area have also suffered damage due to the rough sea conditions.
The PMD has warned of urban flooding in Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, Khuzdar and other areas of Balochistan and added these areas will also receive heavy rains with thunderstorms and strong winds till October 3.
The weather advisory also stated that vulnerable structures can also sustain damage and asked provincial rescue authorities to remain vigilant.
Cyclone Shaheen is present in the northwest of the Arabian Sea – 470 km west of Karachi, 250 km from Ormara and 125 km from Gwadar.
Earlier, Cyclone Gulab had formed in the Bay of Bengal and had battered the eastern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Crossing over the Indian mainland, Gulab lost its intensity but formed into Shaheen as the warm surface temperature of the Arabian Sea again boosted it.
FORECAST: The PMD has forecast heavy rains and strong winds along the Makran coast and moderate rain in Karachi.
According to the Met department, due to the effects of cyclone Shaheen, it is likely to be partly cloudy in Karachi on Saturday (today), with moderate rain expected.
The current temperature in Quaid’s city has been recorded at 27°C, while the maximum temperature is likely to remain at 31°C. Winds are blowing at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour in Karachi with 85 percent humidity.
The Karachi commissioner has banned swimming in the sea under section 144 due to the storm. Despite the ban, however, a large number of citizens are present on Seaview beach.
Meanwhile, it has been raining intermittently in Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar and their surrounding areas.
All private schools in Gwadar will remain closed today due to rains.
According to the Meteorological department, the storm has moved towards the coast of Muscat.
