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This meteorological phenomenon marks only the fourth instance in 80 years where a land-based system has transitioned into a cyclone after reaching the sea, highlighting the storm’s unpredictability and intensity.
Weather Forecast for India’s West Coast
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy rainfall over Saurashtra and Kutch on August 30, with the Gujarat region expected to experience similar conditions through September 1. An offshore trough from South Gujarat to North Kerala will contribute to widespread rainfall along the western coast.
Regions like Konkan, Goa, and the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra are expected to see heavy rainfall from August 30 to September 5. Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, and Mahe are also likely to receive light to moderate rainfall, with extremely heavy rainfall forecasted over Coastal Karnataka on August 30.
The IMD has issued an orange alert for Saurashtra-Kutch, South Interior Karnataka, and Kerala on August 30, for North Interior Karnataka on August 31, and for Gujarat, Konkan-Goa, and Madhya Maharashtra on September 2-3. Within Gujarat, an orange alert is in place for Jamnagar, Porbandar, and Dwarka.
Coastal Karnataka faces a red warning on August 30 and an orange alert on August 31.
Impact on Gujarat
The ongoing heavy rains have triggered emergency responses, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) launching relief operations on August 27. The IAF has deployed aircraft and helicopters to deliver life-saving supplies to residents in Jamnagar and Vadodara. Over three days, the IAF has airlifted 18 people and dropped more than 3,500 essential supply packs.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel conducted an aerial survey on August 29 to assess the flood-affected districts of Kutch, Jamnagar, and Devbhumi Dwarka. Later, he visited Vadodara, where floodwaters from the Vishwamitri River have caused significant damage.
The relentless rainfall has claimed 28 lives across Gujarat, with 17,800 people evacuated from the hardest-hit areas. Rescue operations, supported by six columns of the Indian Army, continue to focus on those still at risk.
Cyclones during the monsoon season are typically rare, but the persistence of this system defies usual patterns, underscoring the unpredictable and potentially devastating nature of such weather events.
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