LAHORE, Sept 22: A tropical depression over north Arabian Sea off Gujarat coast intensified into a cyclone on Friday. It may cause heavy windstorms and rain over the coastal area of Sindh, particularly in Thatta and Badin districts, besides pulling in high sea waves during the next 24 to 42 hours.

“The cyclone, codenamed 04A, lies at approximately 450km south of Karachi and if it continues to move in the present northeast 045 degree direction, it would affect south-southeast Sindh and adjoining Indian state of Gujarat,” the meteorological department’s Flood Forecasting Division (FFD) chief Shaukat Awan said.

He said a warning had been issued to the authorities concerned for preventive measures. The cyclone could also send in high sea waves into the Thatta delta, he said.

Mr Awan said the system would start affecting the coastal area within the next 24 hours, reaching its peak in another 48 hours.

The cyclone further intensified in the evening, increasing the sea-swell wave height from 15ft to 17ft at its centre. The wind speed too had been increased from 140km per hour to 160km per hour, he said.

The major thrust of the cyclone would be towards the Indian Gujarat badly affecting Ahmedabad and adjoining areas, he said.

The FFD had first located a depression over Arabian Sea on Thursday, which turned into the tropical depression, he added.

EMERGENCY: Meanwhile, emergency has been declared in the coastal areas of Badin and Thatta in the wake of prediction of the cyclone, agencies report from Karachi.

The Maritime Security Agency has asked the fishermen not to venture into the deep sea and called back the boats which are in the sea.

Karachi is not threatened by the cyclone. However, the Met office has forecast severe heat in the city and adjoining areas during next 48 hours.

Those concerned have been advised to keep themselves abreast of latest updates through radio, TV and Met office website www.pakmet.com.pk. The Met office will issue updates after every 12 hours or as and when necessary.

Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Dr Arbab Ghulam Rahim has contacted the DCOs of Badin, Thatta and Karachi and instructed them to take precautionary measures.

He directed them to seek help form revenue, police and navy officials and remain alert to cope with any emergency. Dr Arbab asked the Sindh relief commissioner to remain in touch with the DCOs.