ISLAMABAD: As the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) announced on Sunday that Cyclone ‘Isna’ has moved further away from the coastal areas of Sindh and is expected to weaken gradually, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued a warning of more rains in different parts of Pakistan from September 2 to 5.
According to the PMD, the cyclone is now situated northwest over the Arabian Sea, approximately 350 kilometers southwest of Ormara, 260 kilometers south of Gwadar, and 430 kilometers east-southeast of Muscat, Oman.
Under the influence of the cyclone’s circulation, “rain-thundershowers with a few heavy falls and accompanied by squally winds of 60-70 km/h are likely in Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar, Jiwani, and Turbat until this evening,” the PMD stated.
The department also warned that heavy rains could cause localized water logging in low-lying areas of the Makran coast, and sea conditions are “likely to remain rough to very rough with squally winds of 60-70 km/h, gusting to 80 km/h until tonight.”
Monsoon rains have been affecting Pakistan since the beginning of July, with the NDMA reporting that 285 people have died as a result of these rains.
Chief Meteorologist Dr Sardar Sarfraz indicated that while the Cyclone is moving towards Oman, it may still bring heavy rains and thundershowers to Sindh and Balochistan.
In a statement, the NDMA mentioned that the National Emergency Operations Centre has forecast moderate monsoon rains in several areas of Pakistan from September 2 to 5. The statement added that rain is expected in Northeast Punjab, the Potohar region, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan in the coming days.
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Citizens have been advised to avoid going to the beach and to be cautious around billboards, electricity poles, solar panels, and hoardings. The PMD has also warned that sea conditions are likely to remain affected with wind speeds of up to 80 km/h until Sunday night.
Fishermen in Balochistan have been advised not to venture into the open sea until Sunday night, while fishermen in Sindh have been advised they can resume their activities from today.