Low intensity ‘Phet’ cripples life in Sindh, other adjoining areas

KARACHI - Even though its intensity has been reduced considerably, cyclone ‘Phet’ has caused massive destruction in Sindh and other adjoining coastal areas with heavy rains accompanied with gutsy winds lashing the region for the past 24 hours.

The meteorological department has forecast that the torrential rains would continue till Tuesday.

‘Phet’ hit the coast between Karachi and Keti Bunder, blowing away roofs and uprooting trees and electricity poles.

Pakistan Meteorological Department chief Dr Qamaruz Zaman Chaudhry said that Phet’s intensity has degraded to a Category 1 cyclone, but it could still cause considerable damage.

It is expected to move further towards India in the next 24 to 48 hours, but is expected to lose much of its energy.

Chaudhry said Karachi and nearby coastal areas would continue to receive intermittent rains for at least two more days, which could cause flash floods in Sindh, and eastern Balochistan.

The cyclone has crippled life in many parts of Sindh, including the provincial capital.

Continuous rains have wreaked havoc in Karachi, crippling its infrastructure, submerging major traffic arteries and low-lying areas, disrupting power supply and snapping live wires.

At least seven persons were electrocuted when they came in contact with a live wire in Karachi. In another incident, a person died when a speeding bus overturned on a waterlogged road.

According to reports, atleast 28 fishermen are struck in Khober creek and are waiting to be rescued.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum’s chief Mohammad Ali Shah has complained of not receiving any help from the administration.

“Over 450 people from five villages of Kothi and Kar union councils had gone to Jati town on Sunday, but the administration was not allowing them into relief camps,” The Dawn quoted Shah, as saying. (ANI)