Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi braced itself for cyclone Phet as meteorologists warned that it could cause havoc and disrupt life in the coastal areas near the city and in the Sindh province
Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi braced itself for cyclone Phet as meteorologists warned that it could cause havoc and disrupt life in the coastal areas near the city and in the Sindh province.
The Pakistan fisherfolk forum confirmed that at least 150 fishing trawlers and boats had gone missing and lost contact with the Naval control room as the meteorological department warned that the cyclone was gaining strength and is 900 kilometres away from Karachi. Navy helicopters have launched search operation for the missing fishermen.
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Meteorological Department warned fishermen against going to open sea and directed them to back up as soon as possible.
The meteorological department has forecast heavy rains, thunderstorms and tidal waves if the cyclone hits the coastal areas with emergency declared in the coastal areas of interior Sindh.
According to Met Department, the cyclone is assuming more fury 900 kilometres to southwest of Karachi.
The ferocious hurricane would make landing at Pakistan's coastline after 24 hours, as it is likely to force entry into Sindh coastal areas at night between Friday and Saturday. Under the influence of tropical cyclone formed in Arabian Sea, Widespread rain associated with strong gusty winds is also expected in Sindh including Makran coast between Thursday to Saturday.
PHET is a Thai word pronounced as Pet, meaning "Diamond".
The Focal person of Disaster Management Committee Fayyaz Abbasi said control rooms have been established in all districts of Thatta and Badin. DPO Thatta he said schools along with coastal area have been converted into relief camps.
Qamaruz Zaman Siddiqui, the director-general of the Pakistan meteorological department said that a clear position on the intensity of the cyclone would emerge by tomorrow morning.
"If as we expect it gains strength and turn direction towards Karachi then it will be a severe thunderstorm and badly hit the coastal areas of the interior areas in particular," Zaman said.
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