Tropical Cyclone 720 Kms Away from Karachi  
'Pakistan Times' National News Desk

KARACHI: According to Pakistan Meteorological Department, Tropical Cyclone 02-A (GONU) over Central Arabian Sea is now moving in North-West direction towards coast of Oman.

Its distance is about 720 kilometers South-West of Karachi and it was informed that presently none of land area of Pakistan is under threat.

The Additional Relief Commissioner (ARC) Sindh has asked the District Coordination Officers of Karachi, Thatta and Badin to take all precautionary measures in anticipation to save any undue losses of lives along the coastal areas against expected occurrence of scattered rain, thunderstorm with gusty winds during next 24 hours.

The Arabian Sea cyclone was moving towards Oman however it wouldn’t have any impact on any part of Pakistani coast, met department said on Tuesday.

The Arabian Sea cyclone advancing towards Omani coast from west and northwest since last 12 hours, a report of meteorological department said. The cyclone is presently placed at 735 kilometers’ distance in southwest of Karachi.

Met department while denying any threat to Pakistani coast, has predicted that the storm will most likely advance in the same direction during coming 12 hours.

However, the coastal areas of Sindh, southern Balochistan and Makran will receive heavy rainfall and windstorms within next 24 hours.

The fishermen of Sindh have been advised to stay away from the deep sea i.e. 20 kilometers from the coast, for 36 hours.

In Gawadar and Jeewani areas of Balochistan, the fishermen have been directed to stay away from the sea from Tuesday morning till the next advice.

Thatta in Grip of Rains

Meanwhile, coastal areas in Thatta went into a rain spell, while the fishermen have anchored their boats on the shores due to high tides in the sea.

According to the details, Jati, Keti Bandar, Kharo Chan, Shah Bandar, Karo Ghungro, Zero Point and other areas were witnessing a rain spell that has let loose a torrential situation in the high seas, leaving the fishermen localities near the seaside shivering in fears and panic.

Pakistan Fisher Folk Forum sources told that over hundred fishermen were still out in the high seas presently for whose return the government and the district administration have taken no action thus far.●