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Cyclone Asna, a rare occurrence for the month of August, has emerged in the Arabian Sea, posing a significant threat to coastal areas of India, particularly Karnataka and Gujarat. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for coastal Karnataka, warning of very heavy rainfall. In Gujarat, the cyclone's influence has already resulted in heavy rainfall, leading to devastating consequences including 26 fatalities and widespread flooding.
The formation of Cyclone Asna in August is highly unusual, with only three similar events recorded in the past century. The last such storm occurred in 1976, originating in Odisha and eventually weakening near Oman's coast. The unusual timing of Asna's formation highlights the unpredictable nature of weather patterns in the region.
Asna is projected to move west-northwest towards Oman, gradually weakening as it moves away from the Indian coastline. The IMD's forecasts indicate that the cyclone's impact will be most severe in coastal Karnataka, where heavy rainfall is anticipated. Meanwhile, Gujarat, which has already endured significant rainfall in recent days, continues to face the threat of further flooding.
The heavy rainfall in Gujarat has caused significant damage, with over 18,000 people evacuated and approximately 1,200 rescued from flood-affected areas. The state's Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC) reported continued waterlogging in several towns and villages due to overflowing rivers, despite a decrease in rainfall across most of the state. The cyclone's impact is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of extreme weather events and the need for effective disaster preparedness measures.
Source: Cyclone Asna: Red alert for Karnataka, IMD forecasts heavy rain for Gujarat