KARACHI: The National Emergencies Operation Centre (NEOC) on Monday issued an early alert regarding a potential situation in the Arabian Sea, where a low-pressure system is likely to develop into a tropical storm.

“The system is currently positioned near the Lakshadweep Valley and is expected to move northwestward,” said a statement issued by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).

“Early forecasts suggest the possibility of its landfall along the Pakistani coastline in the third week of October, depending on its trajectory and intensity,” it said, adding: “There is a chance that this low-pressure system may evolve into a fully fledged tropical cyclone, with the potential to affect the coastal areas of Pakistan.”

The authority advised citizens, particularly those residing in coastal areas, as well as all stakeholders to stay informed about official updates and advisories about changing situation.

The statement said that the NDMA was closely monitoring the situation in collaboration with relevant departments to ensure proactive measures for any potential emergency.

In August, Cyclone Asna had formed in the Arabian Sea. Although it steered away from Pakistan’s coastline, the cyclonic storm caused heavy rains in Sindh and Balochistan.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2024