Karachi braces for cyclone as Sufi saint"s legacy endures

Karachi, a city on Pakistan's Arabian Sea coast, is currently facing the threat of Cyclone Asna, which is expected to develop due to favorable weather conditions. Recent rainfall in the city has reached 147mm, prompting local authorities, including the mayor, to advise residents to limit unnecessary travel. Despite the looming storm, Karachi has a historical pattern of cyclones either weakening or changing course before making landfall, a phenomenon attributed to both geographical factors and local beliefs. The legacy of Sufi saint Abdullah Shah Ghazi plays a significant role in the city's culture, with many residents believing that his spirit protects Karachi from cyclones. Historical accounts suggest that Ghazi, an Arab who settled in the Sindh province, has been revered for his miraculous interventions during storm threats. This belief has led thousands of devotees to seek his blessings whenever a cyclone is forecasted. Scientific explanations for Karachi's relative safety from cyclones include the region's climatic conditions, which are not conducive to the formation of strong cyclones in August. Historically, only a few cyclones have developed in the Arabian Sea during this month, often moving westward or dissipating before reaching the city. As the city braces for potential impacts from Cyclone Asna, the combination of local faith in Ghazi's protective legacy and scientific understanding of cyclone behavior continues to shape the community's response to natural threats.