Cyclone Asna, which was initially predicted to impact Pakistan’s coastline, has now moved approximately 230 kilometers away from Karachi, though residents are still preparing for the heavy rains expected from the weather system.
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) had previously issued warnings about a deep depression over the Arabian Sea, which intensified into Cyclone Asna on Friday. As of Saturday, the cyclone is located around 230km southwest of Karachi, 180km south of Ormara, and 300km southeast of Gwadar, continuing to move west-southwest.
The PMD has forecasted light to moderate rainfall with occasional gusty winds in Karachi Division and several other districts in Sindh, while other parts of the province are expected to remain dry. Balochistan, however, may experience rain-thundershowers with strong winds, particularly in the districts of Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, Kech, and Gwadar, lasting until tomorrow night.
Fishermen in Sindh are advised against venturing into the sea today, with the same advice extending to Balochistan’s fishermen until tomorrow.
According to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC), Cyclone Asna is expected to slightly intensify before weakening into a tropical depression within the next two days.
The formation of a cyclone during the monsoon season is considered a rare event. Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz noted that this would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976 if it fully materializes, with the name ‘Asna’ being suggested by Pakistan as part of a 13-country naming panel.
Due to the heavy rainfall and potential for urban flooding, schools in Karachi and Hyderabad were closed on Friday. Additionally, a ban on entering the sea, including swimming and diving, has been imposed in Karachi Division until Saturday.
The ongoing heavy monsoon rains have already caused significant devastation across the country. At least nine people have died in Sindh due to rain-related incidents, and more than 30 have been injured. In Balochistan, two people are missing after flash floods swept away 13 others. In the north, a tragic landslide induced by continuous rain claimed the lives of 13 family members in Upper Dir.
Meanwhile, in India, authorities evacuated over 8,700 people from ten districts in Gujarat state, as rain-related incidents have resulted in at least 31 deaths this week.
