Karachi/Gwadar, October 4, 2025: Cyclone Shakti has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm in the northeastern Arabian Sea, posing threats of strong winds, heavy rainfall, and turbulent seas along Sindh and Balochistan’s coastal areas, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Saturday.
The storm is currently located about 390 kilometres southwest of Karachi, with sustained winds of 90–100 km/h near its centre and gusts reaching up to 110 km/h by Saturday evening. Along Sindh’s coast, winds are expected to range between 40–50 km/h, with higher gusts near the sea.
Under the storm’s influence, rain and thundershowers are forecast in Badin, Thatta, Sujawal, Jamshoro, Hub, Lasbela, Awaran, and Kech, while parts of Karachi may experience light to moderate showers. Authorities have warned of potential urban flooding in low-lying areas due to heavy rains, high tides, and sea intrusion.
The PMD has strongly advised fishermen to avoid venturing into the open sea until October 5, warning that sea conditions will remain “rough to very rough” and may reach “high to very high” from October 3 to 6. Strong currents and squally winds near Sindh’s coast are expected to remain dangerous.
The effects of the storm have already been felt along the Makran coast, where strong sea winds battered Ormara and Pasni, damaging anchored boats and forcing fishermen to pull vessels ashore. Local authorities have issued alerts across coastal Makran districts, calling the next 24 hours critical.
The Cyclone Warning Centre in Karachi said it is closely monitoring the system and will provide regular updates. Alerts have been shared with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Defence, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), provincial governments, coastal development bodies, and port authorities in Karachi and Gwadar.
Officials said the storm’s trajectory will become clearer by Saturday evening. While Karachi is not currently on the cyclone’s direct path, the city and Sindh’s coastal belt remain under threat of heavy rainfall, high winds, and rough seas in the coming days.
