Cyclone moves away from Gujarat, heads to Oman

Tropical Cyclone Phet in the Arabian Sea is nearly 1,100 km away from Nalia in Kutch and is weakening, officials of the Indian Meteorological Department said on Thursday. The cyclone has moved slightly towards the coast of Oman and "due to the proximity to the land surface (near Oman), the system is showing sign of weakening," they said.

"Further, due to changing environmental flow pattern, the system (Phet) would move slowly in a northwesterly/ northerly direction for the next 24 hours and cross Oman coast by Friday (June 4) morning," they said.

"It would then weaken gradually, re-curve northeastwards and emerge into north Arabian Sea by June 5 and move towards Pakistan coast," said the IMD.

According to IMD officials, squally winds would blow at speeds of 40-50 kmph, reaching a maximum of 60 kmph, along and off Gujarat coast during the same period. They further said that sea conditions would remain rough near the Gujarat coast and adjoining north Arabian Sea and advised fishermen not to venture into the sea in the next couple of days.

Warning signals have been hoisted at all ports in the state, they said. Overnight rains were reported from Jamnagar, Junagadh and Kutch districts.

Meanwhile, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari has directed the armed forces and all government departments to remain vigilant to tackle the possible fallout of tropical Cyclone Phet, which is approaching the coastal areas of the country.

Zardari instructed all concerned departments to take immediate precautionary measures.

According to the meteorological department, the storm brewing in the Arabian Sea near the Pakistani coastline has further intensified. The cyclone, which has reached an area 950 km southwest of Karachi, could hit Pakistan's coastline between Friday and Saturday.

The Met Department said Cyclone Phet is advancing at a pace of six nautical miles and might turn towards Pakistan. The fierce storm may result in heavy rain with gale force winds in coastal areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

Under the influence of the tropical cyclone formed in the Arabian Sea, widespread rains and strong gusty winds are expected in Sindh, including the Makran coast, between Thursday and Saturday.