ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (NNN-APP) – A severe low-pressure system over the Arabian Sea, off the coast of Pakistan, is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm, which may cause torrential rains and strong winds in the country’s south Sindh province, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said, yesterday.
The PMD said in a statement that, if the system develops as anticipated, it will be named “Asna,” a name symbolising “highest” and “brighter.”
The system, located at about 277 km south-east of Karachi, is expected to emerge into the north-east Arabian Sea, along the Sindh coast, by late last night or early this morning, the NDMA said.
As the depression intensifies, widespread rains, wind, and thunderstorms, with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall are anticipated across several districts in Sindh, and the intense weather conditions are expected to persist until tomorrow, with occasional breaks, the NDMA added.
The approaching storm poses significant risks. The provincial authorities have issued warnings, advising fishermen to stay ashore until tomorrow, and the public is urged to avoid visiting beaches, and to remain vigilant around loose structures, such as billboards, electrical poles, and hoardings, the authority noted.
In response to the looming threat, the NDMA has called on federal ministries, provincial governments, and local administrations, to take immediate preventive measures, including alerting residents in low-lying areas, limiting tourist activity, securing loose structures, and ensuring the readiness of emergency services.
Emergency Operation Centres have been activated to monitor the situation around the clock, while local administrations have been instructed to pre-position de-watering pumps and secure essential resources, the NDMA stated.– NNN-APP
