KARACHI: Cyclone Asna is now positioned at about 300 kilometres from Karachi and Gwadar and 230km from Ormara, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said in an alert issued on Saturday.
As the cyclone moves away from Sindh's coastal belt, it is expected to track further west-southwestwards towards the coastal belt and then towards Oman, before dissipating in the sea without making landfall on any coast.
During this time, the meteorological department expects sea conditions to remain rough with winds likely to blow at 60 to 70km/hour in the metropolis.
The authority advised fishermen of Sindh not to venture into sea today while those in Balochistan must avoid going into the deep sea till tomorrow.
In the wake of the cyclone, the NDMA's National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) alerted residents of potential coastal flooding along the coast of Sindh and possible pluvial flooding or inundation in low lying areas.
Meanwhile, it also said that the city may experience strong windstorms, posing a threat to crops, billboards, electrical poles, solar panels and hoardings.
Additionally, thunderstorms to increase risk of lightning strikes and electricity, along with other utility services may get disrupted.
The public has been advised not to visit the seaside and beach areas in light of potential hazards. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow guidance from local authorities.
NDMA has issued instructions to all relevant departments to take necessary precautions to mitigate the possible effects of flooding and extreme weather.
Rainfall in Karachi during early hours
The traffic police in Karachi advised drivers to drive at a slower speed and at a distance from other vehicles as the city received rain throughout last night under the influence of cyclone Asna.
Earlier today, Karachi's II Chundrigar Road, Saddar, Burns Road and surrounding areas were drenched with rain while heavy rain hit areas including Defense View, Mehmoodabad, Akhtar Colony, Defence, Korangi, Qayyumabad and Sharea Faisal.
Additionally, Nursery, PECHS, Tariq Road, Clifton, Kharadar, Tower, Boat Basin, Garden, Exhibition, and MA Jinnah Road also received rainfall Saturday morning.
Drivers must avoid braking suddenly as it may potentially lead to a disaster, owing to the slippery roads as a result of wet conditions, traffic police said.
Karachi's Rizvia, Gulbahar, Nazimabad, Model Colony, Airport, Malir, Shah Faisal Colony, Landhi, Guru Mandir, Federal B Area, Ayesha Manzil, Karimabad, Liaquatabad, Teen Hatti, and other areas also received rainfall.
Following is the amount of rainfall that various areas in Karachi received in the last 24 hours.
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