Sindh coast likely to see powerful cyclone 'Ockhi' effects

KARACHI: Sindh’s coastal areas are expected to see the possible effects of powerful cyclone ‘Ockhi’ that barrelled into Sri Lankan and Indian coasts and claimed over a dozen lives so far, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said on Saturday.

According to Met office, Ockhi is expected to enter Arabian Sea from south east in next 48 hours. The coastal areas of Karachi, Thatta, and Badin are expected to witness the cyclone impacts, the weather department said.

However, the cyclone is expected to lose its intensity.

Indian officials on Saturday said that authorities including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), India’s Coast Guard and Navy have rescued about 223 fishermen and evacuated thousands of people from cyclone-hit areas in India’s southeastern Islands.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, assuring him of support operations including necessary funds, according to local media.

Ockhi is expected to travel north towards Mumbai and Gujarat in the next 48 hours, according to Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director S. Sudevan in Trivandrum.

“The intensity of the wind may come down and the cyclone could change into depression,” Sudevan said adding fishermen have been warned not go to the sea for the next few days as waves are likely to be 3-5 meters (12-15 feet) high.