Key News Facts
Pakistan Meteorological Department’s (PMD) Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi has confirmed that Cyclone Shakhti is currently moving away from Karachi and is centred roughly 700 kilometres southwest of the city. The severe cyclonic storm named Cyclone Shakhti tracked west–southwest during the past six hours and is located near Latitude 21.0N and Longitude 61.8E. Authorities are maintaining close surveillance as Cyclone Shakhti evolves and are issuing advisories for maritime and coastal interests. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Official bulletins and National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) advisories state that Cyclone Shakhti is about 250 kilometres from the Oman coast and is likely to continue moving west–southwest until October 6 before beginning a recurvature eastwards over the west-central and northeast Arabian Sea. Forecasters expect Cyclone Shakhti to weaken gradually into a deep depression during this change in track; mariners and coastal communities have been warned to expect hazardous seas and squally conditions. Read more.
What the advisories say — track, intensity and timing ⚠️
PMD and NDMA updates report that Cyclone Shakhti has produced gale-force winds near its centre. Peak winds recorded around the core have reached 110–120 km/h with gusts up to 135 km/h in the most active sectors; these are forecast to decrease to 80–90 km/h and then to around 50–60 km/h over the following 24–48 hours as Cyclone Shakhti weakens. Sea states are expected to remain very rough to high and, in some areas, very high — especially across the northwest and west-central Arabian Sea.
Local impacts — rain, winds and marine hazards 🌧️⛵️
Under the influence of Cyclone Shakhti, isolated light rain is likely across coastal districts of Sindh and Balochistan, including Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Hub, Lasbela and Awaran. Along the Sindh coast, squally winds of 40–50 km/h with gusts up to 55 km/h are expected to produce rough to very rough sea conditions. While heavy rainfall over Karachi is unlikely at present, localized showers and gusty winds may occur in coastal belts affected by Cyclone Shakhti. Residents should monitor local forecasts and follow official advice.
Warnings for fishermen and maritime operators 📢
Fishing communities and small-craft operators have been explicitly advised not to venture into the deep sea until conditions improve. Authorities warn that gale winds, high waves and sudden squalls associated with Cyclone Shakhti can create hazardous conditions even for experienced mariners. Ports, coastguard agencies and maritime services are coordinating with NDMA to relay warnings and monitor vessel movements.
How residents and authorities should prepare 🏘️
Coastal residents should secure loose objects, avoid beachfront areas during high tides and prepare emergency kits that include essential supplies and contact numbers. Local authorities and emergency services should maintain readiness for rapid response, publicize evacuation plans for the most vulnerable communities, and issue clear instructions should Cyclone Shakhti threaten to worsen local conditions. Keep a battery-powered radio and follow PMD and NDMA for real-time information. For local coverage and safety guidance, follow updates on NewsCloud.pk.
Regional implications — why this matters 🌍
Although Cyclone Shakhti is moving away from Karachi, its presence over the northwest Arabian Sea will continue to affect maritime traffic and coastal weather across Pakistan, India and Oman. Neighbouring meteorological services and regional ports are tracking Cyclone Shakhti closely and issuing their own alerts and yellow warnings where necessary — a reminder that Arabian Sea systems can produce multi-national impacts and that cross-border coordination remains essential as the cyclone changes course.
Quick facts — Cyclone Shakhti at a glance
- System: Severe cyclonic storm Cyclone Shakhti.
- Approximate location: 700 km southwest of Karachi; Lat 21.0N, Long 61.8E. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Distance from Oman coast: ~250 km. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Forecast: Continue west–southwest until Oct 6 then recurve eastwards and weaken to a deep depression.
- Winds: Peak near-centre winds 110–120 km/h with gusts to 135 km/h, expected to decline. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Marine conditions: Rough to very rough seas; very high waves in parts of the Arabian Sea.
- Advisory: Fishermen and small-craft operators are advised not to go to sea until authorities lift the warning.
For continuous situational updates follow the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and trusted local media. Local coverage and safety guidance will also be available at NewsCloud.pk. Stay safe and monitor Cyclone Shakhti updates from official sources.
FAQs
- How far is Cyclone Shakhti from Karachi right now? Latest advisories place Cyclone Shakhti roughly 700 km southwest of Karachi; monitor PMD and NDMA for precise updates.
- Will Cyclone Shakhti bring heavy rain to Karachi? Forecasts currently indicate isolated light rain in some coastal districts; heavy rainfall over Karachi is unlikely at present but authorities will update if patterns change.
- Are fishermen allowed to go to sea during Cyclone Shakhti? No. Fishermen and small-craft operators have been advised not to venture into deep waters until the warning is lifted because of gale winds and high seas.
- What wind speeds are associated with Cyclone Shakhti? Gale winds near the system centre have been recorded at 110–120 km/h with gusts up to 135 km/h; these are forecast to decrease as the system weakens.
- Where can I get official updates and safety advice? Official updates and safety guidance are available from PMD’s Cyclone Warning Centre (Karachi), NDMA advisories and trusted national media; local coverage is also posted on NewsCloud.pk.
