Cyclone Asna to hit Gujarat; Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, Dwarka brace for heavy rains and flash floods

A deep depression currently positioned over Gujarat's Kutch coast is rapidly intensifying and is expected to evolve into a cyclonic storm over the Arabian Sea within the next 12 hours. If it strengthens as anticipated, the storm will be named Cyclone Asna.

As of 5:30 AM on August 30, the weather system was centred approximately 145 km west-northwest of Bhuj, 50 km west-northeast of Naliya, and 200 km southeast of Karachi. Moving at a pace of 10 kmph, the depression is projected to continue its west-northwestward trajectory, entering the Northeast Arabian Sea and veering away from the Indian coast over the next two days.

This meteorological phenomenon is notable for its rarity, marking only the fourth time in 80 years that a land-based weather system has transitioned into a cyclone after reaching the sea. This underlines the unpredictability and intensity of the developing storm.

IMD issues widespread alerts

In light of the storm's potential, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted very heavy rainfall across Saurashtra and Kutch on August 30, with Gujarat likely to experience similar conditions through September 1. An orange alert was issued for the Saurashtra-Kutch region on August 30, followed by alerts for Gujarat on September 2-3.

Within Gujarat, the forecast indicates the possibility of heavy rainfall across Gujarat for the next seven days. The coastal regions of Kutch, Morbi, Jamnagar, and Dwarka are likely to see significant rainfall on August 30. Rajkot, Porbandar, and Junagadh are also under a yellow alert for rain, with light to moderate rainfall expected in other districts.

Low to moderate flash flood risks loom over Amreli, Bhavnagar, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Gir Somnath, Jamnagar, Junagarh, Porbandar, Rajkot and Kachchh districts during the next 24 hours as well.

In response to the alerts, schools and colleges in the affected areas have been closed until September 2 as a precautionary measure.

Swift action amidst deluge in Gujarat

The ongoing heavy rainfall in Gujarat has triggered swift action from the Indian Air Force (IAF), which launched relief operations on August 27. The IAF deployed transport aircraft and helicopters, including Chetaks, Cheetahs, and Mi-17s, to deliver life-saving supplies to stranded residents in Jamnagar and Vadodara. Over the past three days, the IAF has airlifted 18 people and dropped more than 3,500 essential supply packs to those in need.

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted an aerial survey on August 29 to assess the flood-ravaged districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, and Devbhumi Dwarka during a brief lull in the storms. Later, he visited Vadodara, where floodwaters from the Vishwamitri River have caused significant damage.

The relentless rainfall has already claimed around 30 lives across Gujarat, with 17,800 people evacuated from the worst-hit areas. Rescue operations, supported by six columns of the Indian Army, are ongoing, focusing on those still at risk.

Unpredictability of cyclones during monsoon

Cyclones are typically rare during the monsoon season due to high vertical wind shear and the strong southwest monsoon winds. However, the current system’s persistence in defiance of these natural deterrents highlights the unpredictable nature of such weather phenomena, which could have devastating consequences for those in its path.

As Gujarat braces for the potential impact of Cyclone Asna, authorities remain vigilant, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during this unpredictable weather event.