Key Points
- Cyclone Asna began over Gujarat and became a storm over the Arabian Sea.
- It’s a rare event, only the fourth time a storm like this has happened in August since 1891.
- The storm is moving towards Oman and could get stronger due to warm sea temperatures.
- Recent severe weather has already hit Gujarat hard, with lots of flooding and ongoing rescue missions.
Looma News
Cyclone Asna has got meteorologists buzzing because of its unusual origin and development. Normally, cyclones form over warm ocean waters, but Asna started over land in Gujarat before gaining strength over the Arabian Sea. This is pretty rare. In fact, it’s only happened three times in August since records started in 1891.
Asna was first spotted as a deep depression over Kutch and nearby areas, and it’s since grown into a cyclonic storm. By Friday morning, it was about 190 kilometers west-northwest of Bhuj, Gujarat. While it’s not expected to be as destructive as recent storms, its path and formation are definitely catching scientists’ eyes.
Rare Occurrence
According to Ashok Kumar Das from the IMD, storms like this are unusual. The last time something similar happened was in 1976. Normally, cyclones form over the sea and move onto land, but Asna did the reverse. Its potential to get stronger as it heads towards the Gulf of Aden, where the sea is warmer, adds to its intrigue.
M Rajeevan, a former climate scientist, says that the Indian Ocean’s warmth and odd wind patterns might be behind this rare cyclone formation. The Arabian Sea’s temperatures are a bit higher than usual, which could affect how the storm develops and where it goes.
Ongoing Impact and Rescue Efforts
In Gujarat, recent floods have caused a lot of damage. Parts of the state are still underwater, and rescue operations have been full-on. The Indian Coast Guard and Army are working hard to help those affected, rescuing people from flooded areas and providing crucial aid to displaced communities.
The situation remains tough as the monsoon continues to hit Gujarat, with heavy rain and rising floodwaters disrupting daily life. Efforts to handle both the floods and the approaching Cyclone Asna are critical to protecting affected areas.
