Michelle Fatima
Southern Sindh, being a coastal area has had its fair share of natural disasters, hazards and warnings in the past.
Cyclone Vayu, is one such warning which has caused panic and tension in the countries bordering the East Arabian Sea. It has been put under the category of “Very Severe Cyclonic Storm” (VSCS) Vayu.
According to Google’s Public Alerts, the cyclone moved nearly westwards with a speed of about 06 kmph in last six hours and lay centred at 0830 hrs IST of today, the 15th June, 2019 near latitude 20.7°N and longitude 67.2°E over northeast & adjoining eastcentral Arabian Sea.
While the Cyclone Vayu may not have a direct interaction with Karachi’s coast, the waves are likely to be over ten feet and there might be some flooding.
In accordance to this, a heat wave warning has been issued for Sindh as it is suspected that the sea breeze would be suspended as the cyclone nears Karachi. Moreover, scattered showers, dust storms and very heavy rainfall is expected in areas such as Tharparkar, Thatta and Badin.
Citizens are advised to stay indoors during the heatwave and should avoid unnecessary travel.
Cyclone Vayu has caused severe damage to the Indian city of Gujarat but according to Indian news agencies, has managed to spare the coast from a direct hit as it suddenly changed its course.
