Cyclone Shakti intensifies off Karachi coast — no immediate threat, says PMD.
Pakistan braces as Cyclone Shakti intensifies in the Arabian Sea, though officials assure no direct threat to Karachi’s coastline.
KARACHI (Star Struck Times) — Cyclone Shakti has strengthened over the northeast Arabian Sea, positioned roughly 390 kilometers south-southwest of Karachi, according to the latest update from the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Sunday evening. The storm, which intensified into a severe cyclonic system overnight, is currently moving westward but is expected to change its course within the next 24 hours — turning east-northeast while gradually weakening, as confirmed by The Express Tribune and Geo News.
Meteorologists say the system remains under constant observation, but there is no immediate threat to Pakistan’s coastal belt, including Karachi. However, they cautioned that rough to very rough sea conditions are expected along Sindh’s coastline, prompting warnings for fishermen to avoid deep-sea ventures until further notice. Officials said wind speeds near the coastline could reach 40–55 km/h, with significantly stronger gusts over open waters.
In the nearby districts of Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kech, light to moderate rain showers are forecast over the next 48 hours. Karachi itself may witness humid, cloudy conditions with intervals of drizzle, reports Aaj English TV. While the cyclone’s eye remains far from Pakistan’s mainland, high tides and gusty winds could still pose localized hazards along beaches and harbor zones.
“We’re keeping a close watch on Shakti’s movement, and at this point, there’s no direct threat to Karachi or Sindh’s coastline,” said a senior PMD official in a statement carried by Pakistan Today. “But we advise fishermen to stay cautious and avoid venturing into deep sea until conditions normalize.”
Residents along Karachi’s coastline expressed mixed reactions to the cyclone alerts. Some locals were seen sharing images of dark clouds over Clifton Beach and Sea View, while others expressed concern about potential urban flooding if the system shifts direction. “Even if it doesn’t make landfall, the wind and rain can still disrupt daily life — we just hope the drainage system holds up,” commented one Karachi resident on social media.
The Express Tribune reported that winds near the cyclone’s center have reached 110–125 km/h, with gusts exceeding 140 km/h during peak intensity. However, satellite models now suggest a slow weakening trend as Shakti interacts with cooler sea surface temperatures in the northeastern Arabian Sea.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) has placed emergency response teams on standby and directed district administrations to monitor low-lying coastal areas. Karachi’s administration has also urged citizens to stay away from beaches and avoid unnecessary travel near the coastline during high-tide alerts.
“This is a time for vigilance, not panic,” said an SDMA spokesperson. “Cyclone Shakti is being closely tracked, and all necessary precautions are in place. We ask citizens to cooperate with authorities and follow updates only from official channels.”
Across social media, hashtags like #CycloneShakti and #KarachiWeather began trending on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram Sunday afternoon, with thousands sharing satellite images and PMD updates. Weather bloggers have also begun posting live tracker links and wind maps to keep audiences informed in real time.
As of now, Cyclone Shakti remains a system of interest rather than a direct threat — but authorities continue to advise caution. With unpredictable wind patterns and fluctuating temperatures, weather experts say the next 12–18 hours will be crucial in determining whether the system drifts further into the open sea or edges closer to Pakistan’s coastal influence zone.
For the people of Karachi, who still remember the havoc of past storms like Cyclone Biparjoy, this update serves as both reassurance and a reminder of how delicate coastal weather can be. As the storm system gradually loses strength, residents are advised to stay updated via official PMD bulletins and avoid spreading unverified information online.
FAQs
1. What is Cyclone Shakti and where is it located now? Cyclone Shakti is a severe tropical storm that formed over the northeast Arabian Sea. As of the latest update, it is located approximately 390 kilometers south-southwest of Karachi, according to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD).
2. Is Cyclone Shakti a threat to Karachi or Pakistan’s coastline? No, PMD officials have confirmed that Cyclone Shakti poses no immediate threat to Karachi or Pakistan’s coastal belt. However, rough sea conditions and gusty winds remain a concern for coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan.
3. Will Karachi experience rainfall or strong winds due to the cyclone? Yes, Karachi may experience cloudy, humid conditions with light to moderate drizzle and winds between 40–55 km/h. Stronger gusts may occur in open coastal areas.
4. Which areas are most likely to be affected by Cyclone Shakti? Coastal districts including Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kech may see scattered rain and gusty winds. Authorities have advised residents and fishermen to stay alert and avoid deep-sea operations.
5. Has the government issued any warnings or safety advisories? Yes, the Pakistan Meteorological Department and Sindh Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) have advised fishermen to suspend sea activities until the weather system weakens. Citizens are also urged to stay away from beaches during high-tide alerts.
6. When is Cyclone Shakti expected to weaken or dissipate? According to forecasts from The Express Tribune and Geo News, the system is expected to gradually weaken over the next 24 to 36 hours as it interacts with cooler sea surface temperatures and dry air in the region.
7. What precautions should residents take in Karachi and Sindh? Stay updated through official PMD bulletins, avoid unnecessary travel near coastal zones, and ensure emergency kits are ready in case of power outages or waterlogging.
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