The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has issued a sixth alert for Cyclone Asna, which has formed in the northeastern Arabian Sea. The cyclone is currently about 200 kilometers from Karachi and 180 kilometers from Thatta, moving away from the coast. It is also 250 kilometers from Ormara and 440 kilometers from Gwadar.

The storm is expected to shift west-northwest before turning west-southwest, posing a significant threat to coastal areas. The PMD warns of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds in several Sindh districts, including Karachi and Hyderabad, with potential flooding and storm-related damages. Similar conditions are expected in Balochistan’s coastal districts until September 1.

Read more: Karachi on High Alert as Cyclone Asna Approaches Near; Fishing Banned in Arabian Sea

Sea conditions will be extremely rough, with wind speeds up to 80 km/h. Fishermen are advised to stay ashore until September 1, and authorities are taking precautions to protect lives and property. PMD officials noted the rarity of such a cyclone during the monsoon, with the last similar event in 1964. While the cyclone is likely to head towards Oman, its impact on Pakistan, especially Balochistan, could be substantial.

In rain-related incidents across Pakistan, at least nine people have died in Sindh, including in Jamshoro, Dadu, and Mirpurkhas, due to flooding, sewer overflow, and house collapses. In Karachi, two people died, including a woman killed by a falling tree and a man electrocuted at home. In Balochistan, flash floods claimed 13 lives in Loralai, Qila Saifullah, Duki, Harnai, and Jhal Magsi.

Despite rescue efforts, some individuals remain missing. Additionally, 12 members of a family died in Upper Dir due to a landslide caused by heavy rains. In India’s Gujarat state, 28 people have died this week from rain-related incidents, with thousands displaced due to floods triggered by the same weather system affecting Pakistan’s coastal areas.