Bhatkal: Torrential rains are expected to batter Gujarat, Konkan, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala this week due to a deep depression over Gujarat's Kutch coast, which has intensified into Cyclone Asna, marking the first cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea in August since 1976.

According to media reports, Cyclone Asna is currently centered approximately 145 km west-northwest of Bhuj, 50 km west-northeast of Naliya, and 200 km southeast of Karachi as of 5:30 AM on August 30. Moving at a speed of 10 kmph, the cyclone is expected to continue its west-northwestward trajectory over the northeast Arabian Sea, away from the Indian coast, over the next two days.

This meteorological event is notable as it is only the fourth occurrence in the past 80 years where a land-based weather system has transitioned into a cyclone upon reaching the sea, underscoring its unpredictability and intensity.

The IMD had forecasted very heavy rainfall over the Saurashtra and Kutch regions earlier today, with similar conditions expected across Gujarat through September 1. An orange alert was issued for Saurashtra-Kutch, with specific warnings for the coastal districts of Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Dwarka.

Additionally, an offshore trough from south Gujarat to north Kerala is contributing to widespread rainfall along the western coast. Regions including Konkan and Goa, the ghat areas of Central Maharashtra, Coastal Karnataka, and Kerala are likely to experience significant rainfall from August 30 to September 5. Coastal Karnataka has been placed under a red alert today and will be under an orange alert on August 31.

While rainfall has subsided in most parts of Gujarat, several towns and villages continue to face waterlogging due to swollen rivers.

The IMD has also issued alerts for South Interior Karnataka, Kerala, North Interior Karnataka, and other regions over the next few days in preparation for the anticipated heavy rainfall.