How Far Is Cyclone Shakhti from Karachi Now?

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has confirmed that the depression over the northeast Arabian Sea has strengthened into a cyclonic storm named “SHAKHTI” in the same region.

Currently, the cyclone is centered at approximately Latitude 21.7N and Longitude 66.8E, situated about 360 kilometers south of Karachi. It is expected to move initially west-northwestwards and intensify further into a severe cyclonic storm within the next 24 hours. Following this, the system is likely to shift west-southwestwards, heading over the central north Arabian Sea.

Due to the cyclone’s influence, the PMD warns that wind, thunderstorms, and light to moderate rainfall are expected in various districts including Tharparker, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Muhammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, Keach, as well as isolated areas within Karachi Division today and tomorrow.

Sea conditions are predicted to be rough to very rough with squally winds reaching speeds of 40-50 km/h, gusting up to 55 km/h near the Sindh coast. The PMD advises fishermen to avoid venturing into the deep sea until October 5th.

Gale winds are expected to reach speeds of 65-75 km/h, gusting up to 85 km/h around the cyclone’s center by the evening of October 4th. This is anticipated to intensify further to 100-110 km/h, with gusts reaching 125 km/h. Sea conditions over the central north and north Arabian Sea are forecast to be very rough to high, eventually becoming very high between October 3rd and 6th.

The PMD’s Cyclone Warning Center in Karachi continues to closely monitor the storm and will provide timely updates. Authorities are urged to stay informed through PMD advisories to ensure public safety.