Rare cyclone 'Asna' hits India-Pakistan coast

A rare cyclone is approaching the coast of India and Pakistan. The deep depression formed over the Northeast Arabian Sea has intensified into Cyclone 'Asana' as it moves westward. It was concentrated around noon on Friday (August 30). Pakistan named this cyclone 'Asana'. This information is known in several media reports of India and Pakistan.

The cyclone is currently located 190 km west-northwest of Bhuj region of Gujarat, India and 170 km southeast of Karachi, Pakistan.

It is likely to move towards Oman over the northeast Arabian Sea, away from the Indian coast in the next two days. Meanwhile, due to the impact of the cyclone, the Gujarat region of India is receiving the most rainfall.

Kutch district authorities in Gujarat have asked local residents to leave their homes and take shelter in schools or other stable buildings. Vast areas are submerged in water. The situation is likely to deteriorate further.

In addition, the army has to be deployed in several districts including Dwarka, Morbi, Baroda to deal with the disaster.

Meteorologists in India say that cyclones are rare in the region during the monsoon season. Generally during the months of June to September, depressions cannot develop into cyclones due to the strong resistance of the southwest monsoon.

On the other hand, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has advised fishermen not to go to the sea till Saturday. In addition, flood warnings have been issued in two districts of Pakistan.

Incidentally, a total of three cyclones formed in the Arabian Sea between 1891-2023. However, cyclones are a rare occurrence in the Arabian Sea in August.

Bangladesh /FM