Satellite image showing Cyclone Shakti spinning over the Arabian Sea south of Karachi, Pakistan.
Deep depression has strengthened into Cyclone Shakti over the Arabian Sea, with Sindh and coastal districts bracing for strong winds, rough seas, and isolated heavy rainfall.
Karachi, Pakistan (Star Struck Times) — A weather system over the northeastern Arabian Sea has rapidly intensified into Cyclone Shakti, currently located about 360 km south of Karachi, as authorities issue warnings for Sindh’s coastal belt and adjacent interior districts. Within the past 12 hours, the depression system strengthened into a cyclonic storm, and forecasters warn it may further escalate into a severe cyclone over the next 24 hours. Local authorities, disaster management agencies, and coastal communities have been alerted to escalating risks from high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and dangerously rough sea conditions.
Just off shore, sea conditions are already deteriorating: squally winds of 40–50 km/h, gusting to 55 km/h near the Sindh coast, are forecast to intensify to 65–75 km/h and higher. Gale-force bursts reaching 100–110 km/h, gusting as high as 125 km/h, could be seen around the cyclone’s core in the coming period.
Since the storm is still tracking and evolving, here’s what we know so far — and what residents and authorities must brace for:
As Shakti proceeds on a predominantly west-northwest to west-southwest trajectory, it is expected to track farther into the central–northern Arabian Sea after passing south of the Sindh coast. Under its influence, rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds are forecast across many districts: Tharparkar, Umerkot, Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Tando Mohammad Khan, Hyderabad, Matiari, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sanghar, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbella, Awaran, and Kech. Isolated showers may occur in Karachi Division. Karachi itself should keep a close eye on cloudy spells, possible drizzle, and sudden wind gusts, although the city is not currently in the direct path of the storm. Sea waters along the Sindh coast and into the Arabian Sea will turn very rough to high or very high, making maritime and fishing operations extremely perilous. Fishermen are strongly advised not to head into deep waters until October 5 at least.
“We are monitoring the situation every hour,” said a senior PMD official in Karachi. “Communities in low-lying and coastal settlements must take all necessary precautions now,” urged NDMA in its public advisory.
The reaction among residents has been mixed: while many have started preparing emergency kits, relocating belongings, and monitoring updates from TV and radio, others remain cautious and skeptical about the storm’s final path. “We’ve seen warnings before that fizzled out — but this time the winds feel stronger already,” said a Karachi resident, Rajesh Kumar, speaking to local media.
Provincial authorities in Sindh and Balochistan have been directed to coordinate closely with disaster response teams, ensure evacuation readiness in vulnerable zones, and stock essential supplies such as food, water, medicines, and power backup. Coastal infrastructure, including roads and power lines, is under threat, especially in remote or weakly built areas.
As Shakti continues to gain strength, the next 24 to 48 hours will be critical in determining whether its trajectory shifts southward or remains offshore. Residents are advised to follow updates from PMD, NDMA, and local disaster management authorities — and to respect any evacuation or safety orders.
Wrap-up take: Cyclone Shakti is no longer a distant threat — it has developed into a robust tropical storm with the potential to intensify further. The Sindh coastal belt, interior districts, and Karachi must now stay alert and primed for sudden changes. While local disruption is almost certain, the major danger will be in low-lying zones, fishing areas, and places with weak infrastructure. Stay tuned — we will update live as new bulletins arrive.
FAQs
Q: When is Shakti likely to make its closest approach? A: The storm may come nearest to the Sindh coast around October 4–5, though direct landfall in Sindh is not predicted for now.
Q: Will Karachi be severely hit? A: Karachi is likely to see cloudy weather, possible drizzle, and gusty winds, but not the full brunt of the cyclone at this stage.
Q: What should people living in low-lying/coastal areas do now? A: Move valuables to upper floors, prepare emergency kits (water, food, medicines), stay in touch with local authorities, and evacuate if ordered.
Q: Are maritime activities safe? A: No. Fishermen and marine vessels are strongly advised to avoid going into deep sea until at least October 5.
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