WEB DESK: Heavy rains are expected in the coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan as a cyclone in the Arabian Sea is only 500 km away from Karachi.
According to the Pakistan Meteorological Department a tropical cyclone over the east-central Arabian Sea has moved further northwestward in last 12 hours at a speed of 18 km/hr and now lies centred around Lat 20.0N and Long 66.0 about 550km south-southwest of Karachi and 700km east-southeast of Masqat (Oman). The Tropical Cyclone is likely to intensify further and keep moving northwestward in next 24 hours.
The cyclone has been called Ashobba.
The Met Department has advised fishermen of Sindh not to venture in open sea till Thursday. Fishermen in Balochistan have been advised not to venture in open sea from Tuesday to Friday.
Meanwhile K-Electric has advised the citizens of Karachi to take precautionary measures in the light of the possible cyclone in the city. The power utility reminded people to keep a safe distance from trees, signboards and electricity poles.
Since water accumulates on streets, people are advised to watch out for manholes and downed wires.
A statement issued by the power utility also added that cars should not be parked under electric wires, poles and sign boards whereas consumers are also advised not to repair any electrical network themselves nor touch outdoor switches
