New Delhi, 31 August (HS). Gujarat, which is facing heavy rains and floods, has now escaped the threat of devastation caused by the cyclone that has turned into Asna storm. The Gujarat government had evacuated the Kutch coast as a precautionary measure. The administration heaved a sigh of relief as the storm turned towards Oman. Pakistan has given this storm the name Asna. Despite this, the state is yet to get any relief from the rains.
The India Meteorological Department has issued a forecast of heavy rains in 17 states for the next two-three days this morning. According to the department, meanwhile, a low pressure area has formed over the central and adjacent North West Bay of Bengal. Due to its effect, West Bengal, Odisha, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh are likely to receive heavy rainfall in the next two to three days. The states in which the Meteorological Department has issued an alert regarding heavy rains at different places for the next seven days include Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Jammu and Kashmir.
The threat of cyclone loomed over Saurashtra and Kutch of Gujarat throughout the day yesterday. Due to the effect of the cyclone, strong winds blew and heavy rain occurred. But the fear of devastation was averted when the cyclone, which turned into Asna storm late at night, turned towards Oman. It is noteworthy that this is the first time in the month of August after 1976 that a cyclone has arisen from the Arabian Sea. Its movement was seen 190 kilometers west-northwest of Bhuj till 11:30 am on Friday. The department has said that now it will move towards west-northwest over the northeastern Arabian Sea. Due to its effect, there has been torrential rain in Saurashtra and Kutch of Gujarat during the last 24 hours.