KARACHI BRACES FOR HEAVY RAINFALL AS CYCLONE ASNA MOVES WESTWARD

Karachi, Pakistan – In a rare weather phenomenon, Cyclone Asna, which intensified into a cyclonic storm on Friday, has steered clear of Pakistan’s coastline, but the country is still bracing for widespread heavy rains and urban flooding.

According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the cyclone, currently located 200 kilometers southwest of Karachi, is expected to track further west-southwestward, bringing with it a trail of heavy showers and squally winds.

The PMD has warned of rain-thundershowers with few heavy falls, accompanied by strong winds, in Sindh and Balochistan, with a high risk of water logging in low-lying areas. Authorities have taken precautionary measures, shutting schools in Karachi and Hyderabad, and imposing a ban on fishermen venturing into the sea.

This rare cyclone formation in the monsoon season has raised concerns, with Met officials describing it as an “uncommon” occurrence. The country is still reeling from the effects of heavy monsoon rains, which have claimed over two dozen lives and caused widespread devastation. Stay tuned for further updates as this weather situation continues to unfold.