Gujarat Asna Cyclone: Cyclone Averted, But Floods and Rain Continue to Trouble People | ABP News

The cyclonic storm 'Asna' has had little impact on Gujarat. Formed during the day near the Kutch coast, the storm moved towards Oman in the Arabian Sea without significantly affecting the region. Officials provided this update on Friday evening, August 30. Kutch District Collector Amit Arora stated that as a precaution, around 3,500 people were relocated to safer places. Those living in huts and temporary houses were advised to seek shelter in more secure buildings. Arora added, "Since the cyclone has already moved towards the sea and is heading towards Oman, its impact on the coast has been minimal. Apart from some rainfall and strong winds, no significant effects have been observed. There have been no reports of injuries, fatalities, or major structural damage." The India Meteorological Department (IMD) released a bulletin on Friday evening stating that the deep depression near the Kutch coast and neighboring areas of Pakistan has developed into cyclonic storm Asna, centered about 190 kilometers west-northwest of Bhuj as of 11:30 AM. Following IMD’s earlier warnings, local authorities took steps to ensure people's safety. Arora issued a video message urging residents of Abadasa, Mandvi, and Lakhpat talukas to leave their huts and temporary homes and take refuge in schools or other buildings. The IMD's warning also prompted Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to visit the State Emergency Operations Center in Gandhinagar on Thursday night and discuss the district administration's preparedness with Arora via video conference. The bulletin also noted that if the deep depression evolved into a cyclone, it would be named 'Asna,' a name suggested by Pakistan. This is a rare phenomenon where a deep depression formed on land turned into a cyclonic storm at sea. Additionally, the formation of a cyclone in the Arabian Sea in August is also unusual. The IMD had warned of deteriorating sea conditions, with high waves and wind speeds potentially reaching 75 km/h along the Gujarat coast.