Cyclonic storm ‘ASNA’, which formed during the day on the Kutch coast of Gujarat, has moved towards Oman in the Arabian Sea without causing any major impact on the area. Officials gave this information on Friday evening. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a warning on Saturday saying that Cyclone ASNA, formed due to deep pressure over the Arabian Sea, will move west-northwestwards in the northeast of the Arabian Sea in the next 24 hours and move away from the Indian coast.
The IMD has said that the intense depression that caused torrential rains and floods has turned into cyclone ‘Asna’ off the coast of Kutch and nearby Pakistani territory. This is the first cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea in the month of August since 1976. This cyclone has been named ‘Asna’ by Pakistan.
According to the IMD, only three cyclones have occurred in the Arabian Sea during August between 1891 and 2023 (in 1976, 1964 and 1944). The 1976 cyclone formed in Odisha, then moved west-northwestwards and entered the Arabian Sea. However, it weakened in the northwest Arabian Sea near the Oman coast. The 1944 cyclone intensified after forming in the Arabian Sea. Another short-lived cyclone in 1964 originated near the south Gujarat coast and weakened close to the coast.
On Friday, IMD scientist Ramashrya Yadav had said that Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar would receive light to moderate rainfall. According to the IMD scientist, Kutch received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. The state received 882 mm of rain since June 1.
“Kutch has received very heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours. Gujarat has received 882 mm rainfall since June 1, which is 50% more than normal. Saurashtra and Kutch regions have also recorded above normal rainfall. Light to moderate rains are likely over Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar today,” it said in a statement.
Heavy rain warnings were issued for areas in Jamnagar, Porbandar, Morbi, Swarka and Kutch districts on Thursday. The road connecting Padana Patia to Changa Patia in Jamnagar has been closed for traffic amid floods following incessant rains in Gujarat.