At least 24 people were killed across Pakistan on Friday as heavy rains lashed various regions, with the country preparing for the potential impact of Cyclone Asna. While the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) indicated that the cyclone is unlikely to directly strike the coastal areas, it warned of strong winds and moderate to heavy rainfall in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
In Upper Dir, a devastating landslide triggered by incessant rain caused a roof to collapse, killing 13 members of a single family in Ramyal village. The incident occurred on Friday morning as the family was inside their home. Meanwhile, in Sindh, nine more fatalities were reported in the Jamshoro, Dadu, and Mirpurkhas districts.
Widespread Damage and Injuries Amid Severe Weather
The heavy rains have also led to widespread destruction, with over 30 people injured as floods ruptured sewers, breached dykes, and swept away numerous mud houses. The PMD has issued advisories, predicting continued severe weather conditions.
Cyclone Asna’s Path and Historic Significance
According to a PMD advisory issued at 10:30 PM local time on Friday, Cyclone Asna has moved westward and was located approximately 120 km south of Karachi, 180 km southwest of Thatta, and 440 km east-southeast of Gwadar. The system is expected to continue moving west-northwest before shifting west-southwest.
PMD Director General Mahr Sahibzad Khan highlighted that this is the first time in 60 years that such a cyclone has formed in the region. Chief Meteorologist Dr. Sardar Sarfaraz emphasized that Saturday would be critical in assessing the cyclone’s impact, though it is expected to weaken at sea before reaching Oman. Coastal areas of Balochistan are likely to experience heavier rainfall than those in Sindh.