Cyclone 'Shakhti' weakens, light rain expected along Sindh and Balochistan coast: PMD

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Monday that the cyclone Shakhti, which had earlier intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the west-central and adjoining northwest Arabian Sea, has now weakened into a regular cyclonic storm.

According to the latest advisory, the storm is currently located near latitude 19.6°N and longitude 60.4°E, approximately 910 kilometers southwest of Karachi. It is expected to move east-southeastward over the same region and further weaken into a depression within the next 24 hours.

Under the cyclone’s influence, isolated light rain is likely in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan today. However, the PMD has warned of continued high to very rough sea conditions, with squally winds reaching 70-90 km/h and gusts of up to 90 km/h near the Sindh coast.

Fishermen have been advised not to venture into the deep sea until October 7 as the sea is expected to remain dangerously rough. Gale-force winds near the cyclone's center are currently blowing at 80-90 km/h, with gusts up to 100 km/h, but are expected to gradually decrease to 45-55 km/h, gusting to 65 km/h as the system continues to weaken.

Sea conditions over the northwest and west-central Arabian Sea are forecast to remain very rough to high in the next 24 hours, before gradually calming.

PMD’s Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi is closely monitoring the situation and will issue updates as needed. Authorities have been urged to stay alert and act in accordance with PMD advisories.