Tropical cyclone warning issued;
Section 144 imposed on swimming along coast
By our correspondents

Karachi

The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) issued a warning on Monday that a strong weather system in the Central Arabian Sea could evolve into a tropical cyclone during the next 24 to 36 hours.

According to a statement issued by the Director-General PMD, Dr Qamar-uz-Zaman Chaudhry, the latest meteorological data indicated that a depression (strong weather system) had formed in Central Arabian Sea near 15 degree North and 64 degree East. “The current environmental conditions, including the sea surface temperatures which are around 31 degree Celsius, are providing favourable conditions for gradual intensification of this depression into a tropical cyclone during next 24 to 36 hours. PMD’s Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre is closely watching the cyclogenesis activity,” added the statement.

Talking about the situation, Chief Meteorologist in Karachi, Mohammad Riaz said that if a tropical cyclone is formed in the Arabian Sea, it could have equal chances of landfall in the coastal areas of Pakistan or India. “In either case, the resultant meteorological changes would bring gusty winds and rains in Karachi,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Met office in Karachi recorded 34.3 degree Celsius and 28.5 degree Celsius minimum and maximum temperatures respectively on Monday with 64 per cent humidity.

The Met office has issued a forecast of hot and humid/windy weather for the city on Tuesday (today) with temperatures that will range between 35 degree to 37 degree Celsius.

The Administrator Karachi, Lala Fazalur Rahman has with immediate effect imposed Section 144 CrPC banning bathing / swiming in the Sea in the entire length coast line within City District Karachi in view of Met Office forecast of Tropical Cyclone during the next 24-36 hours.