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Cyclone Asna Veers Away from Pakistan's Coastline, Heavy Rains Still Expected
Cyclone Asna is moving away from Pakistan’s coast, but heavy rains are still expected in Karachi and surrounding areas.
ND
by News Desk
2024-08-31
Cyclone Asna Veers Away from Pakistan's Coastline, Heavy Rains Still Expected

As Cyclone Asna veered away from Pakistan’s coastline on Saturday, residents of Karachi and other southern regions remain braced for heavy rains and potential flooding. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued an alert indicating that the cyclone, which formed from a deep depression in the northeast Arabian Sea, is now approximately 300 kilometers southwest of Karachi.

 

The cyclone is expected to continue moving west-southwestward, further away from the coast, but its effects are still likely to bring torrential rainfall across southern Sindh and Balochistan. The PMD warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas of Karachi, Hyderabad, Dadu, and other regions. Flash floods could also affect local streams and nullahs in both provinces.

 

Rainfall has already begun in Karachi, with significant downpours recorded in various parts of the city. Quaidabad experienced 39mm of rain by 3 PM, while other areas such as Surjani, Korangi, and North Nazimabad received between 16mm and 24mm.

 

Authorities in Karachi and Hyderabad had preemptively closed schools on Friday and imposed bans on fishing, swimming, and other coastal activities to ensure public safety. The cyclone, which is the first to form in the Arabian Sea during August since 1976, has been described as a rare occurrence by meteorologists.

 

The formation of Cyclone Asna during the monsoon season is unusual, and Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz highlighted the rarity of such events. The cyclone was named 'Asna' by Pakistan as part of a regional naming system agreed upon by 13 countries.

 

The impact of Cyclone Asna comes amid a challenging monsoon season for Pakistan. Heavy rains have already caused widespread devastation, with dozens of deaths reported across the country. In Sindh alone, at least nine people lost their lives in rain-related incidents on Friday, while severe flooding affected communities in Balochistan.

 

As Cyclone Asna continues to influence weather patterns, residents are urged to stay informed through official channels and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.
Tagged:

PakistanWeather

KarachiRain

Monsoon2024

UrbanFlooding

CycloneAsna
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