Cyclone Shakhti intensifies near Karachi; PMD warns 110km/h gusts

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said Saturday that Cyclone Shakhti has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm over the northeastern Arabian Sea and is currently about 390 kilometres southwest of Karachi. Conditions along Sindh’s coast are expected to remain rough, with the PMD forecasting sustained winds of 90–100 km/h near the storm’s core and gusts potentially reaching 110 km/h by evening. Under the system’s influence, rain and thunderstorms are likely in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran and Kech, while Karachi could see light to moderate showers. Coastal wind speeds of 40–50 km/h are anticipated, and sea states will range from rough to very rough, turning high to very high over central-northern waters through October 6. Authorities have warned of urban-flooding risks in low-lying neighbourhoods due to high tides, sea intrusion and drainage challenges. Fishermen have been strongly advised to avoid deep-sea ventures until October 5. Along the Makran coast—including Ormara and Pasni—strong winds have already put anchored boats at risk, prompting local alerts and precautionary measures by disaster management and fisheries departments.