Pakistan says potential cyclone in Arabian Sea may affect coastal areas this month

Children play, with the rainbow and rain clouds in the background, following reports from the Pakistan Meteorological Department of a potential cyclonic storm that could develop over the Arabian Sea, at Clifton Beach in Karachi, Pakistan on August 30, 2024. (REUTERS/File)
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Updated 08 October 2024
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Pakistan says potential cyclone in Arabian Sea may affect coastal areas this month

  • The weather system is currently positioned near India’s Lakshadweep Valley and expected to move northwestward
  • Early forecasts suggest the possibility of landfall along the Pakistani coast, depending on its trajectory and intensity

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Emergencies Operation Center (NEOC) said on Monday a low-pressure system was developing in the Arabian Sea that could transform into a cyclone and affect coastal areas of the country later this month.

The system is currently positioned near India’s Lakshadweep Valley and is expected to move northwestward, according to an early advisory issued by the NEOC.

Early forecasts suggest the possibility of landfall along the Pakistani coastline in the third week of October, depending on its trajectory and intensity.

“There is a chance that this low-pressure system may evolve into a full-fledged tropical cyclone, with the potential to affect the coastal areas of Pakistan,” the NEOC said in a statement.

“Citizens and stakeholders, particularly those residing in coastal regions, are advised to stay informed of official updates and adviseries as the situation evolves.”

The NEOC said the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), in collaboration with relevant departments, was continuously monitoring the situation to provide timely updates and issue further adviseries.

In August, a cyclonic storm, ASNA, in the Arabian Sea caused heavy rains in coastal areas in Pakistan’s southern Sindh and southwestern Balochistan provinces.

Pakistan has seen erratic changes in its weather patterns which have led to frequent heat waves, untimely rains, cyclones and droughts in recent years. Scientists have blamed the events on human-driven climate change.
 


Farhan’s maiden ton fires Pakistan into T20 World Cup Super Eight

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Farhan’s maiden ton fires Pakistan into T20 World Cup Super Eight

  • Sahibzada Farhan remained unbeaten with 100 off 58 balls, guiding Pakistan to 199 in Group A clash
  • Pakistan’s Usman Tariq, Shadab Khan take four, three wickets, respectively, to dismiss Namibia for 97

Pakistan became the ‌final team to qualify for the Super Eight of the Twenty20 World Cup after Sahibzada ​Farhan’s maiden international century powered them to a thumping 102-run victory over Namibia in Colombo on Wednesday.

Farhan remained unbeaten on exactly 100 off 58 balls, reaching his landmark in the final over as Pakistan posted 199 in ‌their must-win ‌Group A encounter at ​the ‌Sinhalese ⁠Sports ​Club Ground.

The ⁠opener’s explosive knock featured 11 boundaries and four sixes, with skipper Salman Agha contributing a useful 38 and Shadab Khan adding an unbeaten 36 that included two sixes in the final ⁠over of the innings.

Namibia’s chase never ‌gained momentum despite ‌a promising start from ​opener Louren Steenkamp, ‌who raced to 23 before the African ‌side began losing wickets at regular intervals.

Shadab (3-19) proved instrumental with the ball as well, dismissing skipper Gerhard Erasmus before having Alexander ‌Busing-Volschenk stumped for 20 when the middle-order batter charged down the ⁠pitch ⁠as the required run rate mounted.

Spinner Usman Tariq cleaned up the tail and finished with career-best figures of 4-16 as Namibia were dismissed for 97, ending their World Cup campaign without a win to finish bottom of the group.