Heavy rains and flooding claimed 245 lives across Pakistan over the past 27 days, as the country braces for a potential cyclonic storm along Sindh’s coastline.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reported that Punjab recorded the highest number of fatalities with 92 deaths, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 74, Sindh with 47, and Balochistan with 22. Additionally, six deaths were reported in Kashmir and four in Gilgit-Baltistan.
The NDMA report highlighted that Multan experienced a 48-year-high rainfall, with 147 millimeters recorded in just two hours. The severe weather has led to the complete destruction of 1,002 houses and partial damage to 3,475 houses across the country.
On August 29, the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) of NDMA forecasted heavy to very heavy rain with wind and thunderstorms in Sindh due to a deep depression over Rann Kuch, India, which is approaching Pakistan’s southwest.
This system could intensify into a tropical storm, with wind speeds expected to reach 30-40 knots, potentially causing urban flooding in Karachi and surrounding districts. The estimated central pressure is 990 hPa, with further developments anticipated over the next 24 hours. Flash floods are also anticipated in Balochistan’s local nullahs and hill torrents.
NDMA mobilized resources, instructed relevant authorities to activate Emergency Response Teams, and urged fishermen and residents to stay vigilant, avoid open seas, and follow local guidance. The public is encouraged to stay informed through weather updates and the ‘Pak NDMA Disaster Alert’ mobile app.
Cyclone ‘Asna’ would be a rare event
Meteorologists have described the potentially forming cyclone as a “rare phenomenon.”
Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz stated, “There is an 80 per cent chance for a cyclonic storm’s formation when the deep depression would move from land to the sea and get favorable conditions. It would be a rare event as cyclones are uncommon in the monsoon season.”
If the storm materializes, it would be the first cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976 and would be named ‘Asna,’ a name suggested by Pakistan. Regional cyclones are named based on a list created by a 13-country panel, including Pakistan.