Fishermen in the coastal region of Balochistan have been directed to avoid venturing into the deep sea Wednesday onwards in the wake of the approaching Cyclone Nilofar in the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone Nilofar is likely to hit coastal regions of Gwadar and Lasbela, where deputy commissioners have been asked to adopt precautionary measures.
“Fishermen in Gwadar, Pasni, Jewani and Lasbela had been strictly directed to not go fishing in the deep sea. Those who have already left for fishing should be called back immediately,” said Director General Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Noor Mohammed Jogezai.
Cyclone Nilofar, building in the Arabian Sea, is due to hit India’s Gujarat state and Pakistan’s southern coastal areas Friday morning.
“It is about 1175 kilometres south of Gwadar, and is moving in the north-western direction. It may result in scattered rains and thunderstorm near Gwadar,” Jogezai said, citing the report of the Meteorological department.
The deputy commissioners were also directed to evacuate the areas if necessary.
“The local administration is closely monitoring the situation and following the directives of the Met office,” Jogezai said.
Gwadar was badly affected by Cyclone Phe – a tropical cyclone which hit the coastal region in 2010, wreaking havoc on the lives and property of people.
Hundreds of people were rendered homeless and were not compensated by the government, while many migrated from the area, others built mud houses on their own.
