Cyclone Asna forms over Kutch; rain lashes Gujarat

• The cyclonic storm – a rare land-originating one in August and headed to the Arabian Sea – is expected to move further away from the western coast in the next 48 hours.

Highlights:

• Cyclone Asna, a rare cyclonic storm originating over land in August, has formed over the Kutch coast in Gujarat and adjoining areas of Pakistan, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• The cyclone, which is now moving towards the Arabian Sea, has triggered heavy rainfall and flooding in parts of Gujarat, causing significant damage and displacement.

Key Highlights:

1. Cyclone Formation and Movement:

• Cyclone Asna is the first August cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea since 1976. The cyclone, named by Pakistan, is expected to move further away from the western coast over the next 48 hours.
• Historically, cyclones forming in the Arabian Sea during August are rare, with only three recorded between 1891 and 2023.

2. Impact on Gujarat:

• Gujarat has experienced light to moderate rainfall in most areas, with heavy to very heavy rainfall reported in isolated places, particularly in Kutch and adjoining districts of Saurashtra.
• The cyclone's impact has been severe, with torrential rain causing widespread flooding and disruption across the region.
• Over the past three days, rain-related incidents in Gujarat have claimed 26 lives. More than 18,000 people have been relocated, and around 1,200 have been rescued from flood-affected areas.
• In some instances, helicopters were deployed to evacuate people to safer locations.

3. Vadodara Flooding:

• Vadodara, one of the worst-hit cities, saw some relief as the water level in the Vishwamitri river dropped from 37 feet to 32 feet. However, several low-lying areas remain flooded, with ongoing rescue and relief efforts.

4. Excessive Rainfall in August:

• August has seen excessive rainfall across India, with the country receiving 28.7 cm of rainfall—15% more than the usual 24.8 cm expected for the month.
• The IMD had initially forecast a maximum of 6% above-normal rainfall for August. The excessive downpour, particularly in north-western and central India, has contributed to widespread flooding and waterlogging.

5. Monsoon Outlook:

• September marks the last month of the monsoon season, with the overall monsoon rainfall being nearly 7% above average for the first three months.
• Meteorologists have forecast an active monsoon phase in early September and anticipate a possibly delayed withdrawal of the monsoon system.

Prelims Takeaways:

• IMD
• Cyclones in Arabian sea