A deep depression over the Arabian Sea has intensified into Cyclone Asna, marking the first cyclonic storm in the region for August since 1976.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed that the storm has brought heavy rains and severe flooding to Gujarat and parts of Pakistan.
Cyclone Asna, named by Pakistan, originated off the coast of Kachchh and the adjoining areas of Pakistan. It is now classified as a cyclonic storm, with wind speeds ranging between 63 kmph and 87 kmph.
The IMD reported that the storm, which was previously a deep depression with wind speeds between 52 kmph and 61 kmph, intensified over the past 24 hours.
The IMD noted that Cyclone Asna is the first such storm to form in the Arabian Sea in August since the cyclone of 1976. Historical data shows that only three cyclonic storms have occurred in August in the Arabian Sea between 1891 and 2023.
These storms were in 1976, 1964, and 1944. The 1976 cyclone, which originated over Odisha, later moved into the Arabian Sea before weakening. Similarly, the 1944 cyclone intensified in the Arabian Sea before dissipating. The 1964 cyclone, short-lived, developed near South Gujarat and weakened quickly.
Asna is currently situated about 190 km west-northwest of Bhuj in Gujarat and is moving west-northwestward at 6 kmph.
The IMD forecasts that the cyclone will continue on this path over the northeast Arabian Sea, moving away from the Indian coast over the next two days.
The sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea are around 27-28 degrees Celsius, which are conducive for cyclone formation.
However, the IMD expects that the storm will encounter colder waters further along its path, potentially limiting its further intensification.
The severe weather has had a devastating impact on Gujarat. Over the past three days, rain-related incidents have claimed 26 lives, with over 18,000 people relocated and around 1,200 rescued from flood-affected areas.
The State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) reported that security forces have used helicopters to assist in evacuations.
Vadodara, the worst-hit city, has seen some relief as the Vishwamitri river’s water level fell from 37 feet to 32 feet.
The river had surpassed the danger mark of 25 feet earlier this week due to heavy rainfall and water release from Ajwa Dam. Despite this, many low-lying areas remain submerged.
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