New Delhi - The deep depression over the Kutch coast and adjoining areas of Pakistan and northeast Arabian Sea has intensified into cyclonic storm 'Asna' (pronounced as 'As-Na'), according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD). As of 11:30 AM on Friday, the storm was centered about 190km west-northwest of Bhuj and 100km west-northwest of Naliya in Gujarat, and 170km southeast of Karachi in Pakistan.
Storm Movement and Forecast
The IMD predicts that Cyclone Asna will continue to move west-northwestwards over the northeast Arabian Sea, away from the Indian coast, over the next two days. It is expected to move further towards Oman, reducing the immediate threat to the Indian coastline.
Rainfall in Gujarat
Parts of Kutch and the Saurashtra region experienced significant rainfall on Friday:
- Mundra (Kutch district): 26mm
- Patan-Veraval (Gir Somnath district): 18mm
- Dwarka town (Devbhumi Dwarka district): 16mm
- Anjar (Kutch): 15mm
These measurements were recorded in the eight-hour period between 6 AM and 2 PM on Friday.
A Rare Meteorological Event
Cyclone Asna is notable for being only the fourth cyclone to develop in the Arabian Sea in August since 1944. The previous occurrences were in 1944, 1964, and 1976. The cyclone originated as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on August 16 before developing into a cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea.
Current Status and Warnings
As of 3:30 PM on August 31, Cyclone Asna was moving at a speed of 75 kilometers per hour in the Arabian Sea. The IMD has issued several warnings:
- Fishermen are advised not to venture out into the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea.
- Similar warnings are in place for the Gujarat coast and adjoining North Maharashtra coasts until August 31.
- Fishermen should also avoid the northeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea off the Gujarat coast and along and off Pakistan coasts from August 31 to September 1.
Cyclone Development Timeline
The IMD outlined the development of Cyclone Asna:
1. August 16: Started as a low-pressure area over northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining West Bengal and Bangladesh.
2. August 24: Became a well-marked low-pressure area over southeast Uttar Pradesh and northeast Madhya Pradesh.
3. August 25: Intensified into a depression over northwest Madhya Pradesh.
4. August 26: Further intensified into a deep depression over East Rajasthan.
5. August 29: Began affecting Gujarat.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are monitoring the cyclone's progress and issuing updates to ensure public safety.
