Heavy rains persist in Gujarat as Cyclone Asna moves away

GANDHINAGAR, Gujarat: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding Cyclone Asna, which has brought heavy rainfall to Gujarat. Currently classified as a deep depression, Cyclone Asna is expected to move west-northwest over the Northeast Arabian Sea and is likely to move away from the Indian coast within the next 24 hours.

Cyclone Asna is currently traveling at a speed of 14 km per hour and is located at a latitude of 23.6° N and a longitude of 66.4° E. As per the latest update, the cyclone is positioned approximately 250 kilometers west of Naliya in Gujarat, 160 kilometers south-southwest of Karachi, Pakistan, and 350 kilometers east-southeast of Pasni, Pakistan.

Although the cyclone is moving away from the Indian coast, its impact is still being felt across Gujarat, with heavy rains continuing to affect several regions. The IMD has warned of potential flash floods, especially in coastal and low-lying areas, as the cyclone gradually shifts away from the region.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay informed about weather updates and follow any advisories issued by local authorities.

The IMD, along with state authorities, is closely monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of residents. Precautionary steps, including evacuating vulnerable areas, have been taken to reduce the impact of the heavy rains and possible flooding.

While the rainfall has decreased in some parts of Gujarat, areas such as Vadodara remain affected by flood-like conditions due to overflowing rivers. Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as authorities continue to manage the situation.

Over the past four days, rain-related incidents have resulted in the deaths of 32 people across Gujarat. According to the Gujarat government, fatalities have occurred in various districts: one person each in Aravalli, Dwarka, Panchmahal, Dang, Bharuch, Morbi, and Vadodara; six in Anand; five in Ahmedabad; three each in Mahisagar and Jamnagar; and two each in Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mahisagar, Dahod, and Surendranagar.

Additionally, more than 32,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas, and approximately 1,200 individuals have been rescued, with some evacuations involving helicopters, according to the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC).