Cyclone Taute threatens Pakistan's Sindh province, high alert declared

Authorities in India's neighbouring Pakistan's Sindh province have issued a high alert after the country's Meteorological Department issued a warning over Cyclone Taute. The Pakistan Meteorological Department on Sunday issued its sixth consecutive alert for the cyclone, which could affect part of Sindh province, Xinhua reported. Heavy rain and strong winds are expected especially in its coastal areas.

According to the alert, the cyclone has turned into a 'very severe cyclonic storm'. It is a centre near 15.3 degrees North Latitude and 72.5 degree East Longitude, about 1,210 km south-southeast of Karachi. The alert said, "Maximum continuous winds around the system centre are blowing at a speed of 100-120 kmph to 140 kmph. '

In an alert issued on Saturday night, the department said, "Based on the prevailing weather conditions, winds with dust, thunderstorms are likely to blow at 60-80 kmph in different parts of Sindh, especially in the coastal region. Fishermen have also been advised not to go into the sea till May 20 as the sea conditions will be very bad.

In a separate notification, the department has also issued a heatwave warning for Karachi by Monday, with the temperature projected to rise to 42 degrees Celsius. Following the alert, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah had declared emergency in all districts along the coastal belt. In Karachi, local authorities have started removing all hoardings and making alternative arrangements for cleaning and housing of drains besides protecting the buildings under construction.