Red alert in Gujarat as Cyclone Asna intensifies over Kutch

Cyclone Asna has formed over the Kutch coast in Gujarat and adjacent areas of Pakistan, as reported by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday. This cyclonic storm, which originated over land and is heading towards the Arabian Sea, is anticipated to drift further away from the Indian coast within the next 24 hours.

According to WeatherIndia, if the cyclone forms, it will be only the fourth August cyclone in the Arabian Sea since 1944. Previous August cyclones in 1944, 1964, and 1976 all began over land before hitting the sea.

The CS ASNA over NE Arabian Sea off Pak coast moved westwards, 310 km West of Naliya.Likely to move away from Indian coast during next 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/vidQBdtEw6

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) August 31, 2024

Rainfall Impact in Gujarat

In the wake of Cyclone Asna, Gujarat has experienced significant weather impacts. The state has seen light to moderate rainfall across most regions, with heavy to very heavy rainfall reported in isolated areas of Kutch and nearby districts in Saurashtra. 

This marks the first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976, with the name Asna, meaning "the one to be acknowledged or praised," assigned by Pakistan. Historical data shows only three cyclonic storms have formed in the Arabian Sea in August between 1891 and 2023.

New Weather Developments

In addition to this, a well-marked low-pressure area has emerged in the Bay of Bengal off the coasts of north Andhra Pradesh and south Odisha. The IMD forecasts light rain for these states, with the low-pressure system expected to intensify into a depression over the next 36 hours.

Depression over westcentral & adjoining northwest BoB off north Andhra Pradesh & South Odisha coasts in morning of 31 Aug.Likely to cross north Andhra Pradesh and adjoining south Odisha coasts between Vishakhapatnam and Gopalpur close to Kalingapatnam around midnight today.

— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) August 31, 2024

Gujarat Floods: 28 Dead and Over 24,000 Relocated

As quoted by BBC, at least 28 people have lost their lives, and over 24,000 individuals have been relocated in Gujarat since Sunday due to severe flooding caused by heavy rains. The flooding has led to several rivers and reservoirs exceeding critical water levels, prompting urgent responses from authorities.

Officials report that water levels in these rivers and reservoirs have surpassed danger thresholds. In response, the Indian Army and national disaster response teams are actively engaged in relief and rescue operations in the most affected regions.

The state remains on high alert, with weather forecasts predicting that heavy rainfall will persist in the coming days.