KARACHI, OCT 01 (DNA) – The metrological department has issued a new alert lowering the threat of urban flooding and torrential rains in Karachi as the cyclone “Shaheen” has started moving from the North East to the South West.
But the met department has warned that the cyclone might hit the Balochistan coastal belt of Makran and Gwadar. According to the weather report, the current depression over Arabian Sea has turned into deep depression. In next 6 hours, this depression would gather intensity and become a cyclone which has been named as Shaheen. The deep depression is currently 160 km away from Karachi but its direction is towards coastal belt of Makran.
Chief Metrologist Sardar Sarfraz said on Friday that the threat of urban flooding and heavy rains had decreased in Karachi as cyclone Shaheen had changed its direction. The system has started inching towards South West from North East thus lowering chances to cause flooding and rain in Karachi, he said adding that the fishermen were still not allowed to enter the Arabian Sea.
Mr Sarfraz warned that the cyclone might hit Balochistan coastal areas of Makran and Gwadar which might bring light rain and strong winds in the city. He further said that there were chances of rain in Hyderabad, Thatta, Badin, Mirpur Khas, Tharparkar, Umarkot Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushero Feroz, Tando Muhammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana and Jaccobabad.
Rain might fall in Gwadar, Lasbela, Kech, Khuzdar and Qalat till Oct 3, he added. On the other hand, the Karachi administration has made all arrangements to deal with the crisis situation in view of flooding and torrential rain. In Nagan Chorangi and its adjoining areas, the administration has mounted pumps on heavy duty trucks.
There is public holiday in Karachi today (Friday) in the wake of flood warning. According to the notification issued by the Karachi commissioner, all offices educational institutes and businesses will remain closed today. Only grocery shops will remain open.
Besides this, Jamia Karachi has also cancelled all examinations scheduled to be held today. Controller Exams Dr Zafar said that the schedule of new dates for exams would be announced later. = DNA
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