The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has predicted a cyclonic storm called ‘Gulab’ starting from today.
Gulab will be the third cyclone of 2021 after Tauktae and Yaas that had formed in May this year and the first in the month of September since 2018.
What is Cyclone Gulab?
The remnants of Cyclone Gulab are likely to enter the Arabian Sea today in the evening and intensify into a cyclonic storm a day later and then move towards Pakistan.
How did Gulab get its name?
Cyclone Gulab was named by Pakistan. It refers to Rose in English. In 2018, a panel was set up to coordinate and decide names for future cyclones. The panel consists of 13 countries—India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Oman, Maldives, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia. These countries choose the names of cyclones in the north Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
Facts you need to know Gulab
Cyclone Gulab became the third cyclone of the 21st century to make landfall over the east coast in September, after tropical cyclone Daye in 2018 and Pyarr in 2005.
The maximum sustained speed of Gulab is 75 to 85 kmph gusting to 95 kmph during landfall. Compared to the previous few cyclones and super cyclones in the region, this is a much milder storm in terms of wind speed.
Rain expected
The PMD said that under its influence, there will be widespread rain-wind-thunderstorms with scattered heavy falls in Karachi, Hyderabad, and other districts of Sindh from 28th September to 2nd October.
Other cities that are likely to be impacted by the low-pressure system include Thatta, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Tharparker, Umerkot, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Naushero Feroze, Tando Mohammad Khan, Tando Allahyar, Dadu, Jamshoro, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Ghotki.
How Gulab can impact Pakistan?
During this period, sea conditions would remain very rough with the occasional high surges in tides. Therefore, fishermen are advised not to venture into the sea from today until Saturday.
“Torrential rains may generate urban flooding in Karachi, Badin, Thatta, Hyderabad, Dadu, Lasbela, Sonmiani, Ormara, Pasni, Gwadar, Turbat and Jiwani,” the advisory further stated.
PMD warned that windstorms may cause damages to vulnerable structures. All concerned authorities have requested to remain alert during the forecast period.
Cyclone Shaheen
Another cyclone named Shaheen may form over the Arabian Sea from the remnant of cyclone Gulab which is likely to move towards the Pakistan-Makran coasts.
The name ‘Shaheen’ is given by Qatar which is a part of the member countries for the naming of a tropical cyclone in the Indian Ocean.
Its impact on Pakistan
The PMD in its weather forecasts has said that heavy to very heavy rainfall with extremely heavy falls is very likely at isolated places in India and it can later reach Pakistan.
