What is Cyclone Asna?
Cyclone Asna is a cyclonic storm that developed in the northeast Arabian Sea in August 2024. It began as a deep depression near the coast of Gujarat, India, and quickly intensified into a cyclonic storm as it moved westward. Asna has impacted both Pakistan and India’s coastal regions, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flash floods. In particular, it affected the coastal districts of Sindh and Balochistan in Pakistan and Gujarat in India(
Cyclones in this region are rare during the monsoon season due to high vertical wind shear and strong southwest monsoon winds, which usually hinder cyclone formation. However, Cyclone Asna defied these conditions and developed into a significant weather event(
Business Insider). The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) have been closely monitoring its movements, issuing warnings and advisories to affected regions(
Pakistan Meteorological Department).
How far is Cyclone Asna from Karachi?
As of the latest reports, Cyclone Asna was located approximately 120 kilometers south of Karachi, Pakistan. The cyclone was moving in a westward direction and was expected to continue its trajectory, bringing heavy rain and squally winds to Karachi and surrounding areas(
Pakistan Meteorological Department).
What are cyclones in East Asia called?
Cyclones in East Asia, particularly in the northwest Pacific region, are called typhoons. The naming convention for these powerful storms varies depending on the region:
- In the Atlantic and Northeast Pacific, they are called hurricanes.
- In the South Pacific and Indian Ocean, they are referred to as cyclones.
- In the Northwest Pacific, affecting countries like Japan, China, and the Philippines, they are known as typhoons.
The term used depends on where the storm forms, but all three refer to the same meteorological phenomenon of a rotating, low-pressure system with strong winds and heavy rain.
Has any cyclone ever hit Karachi?
Yes, Karachi has experienced cyclones in the past, though it is relatively rare for the city to take a direct hit due to its geographical position. Notable cyclones that have impacted Karachi include:
- Cyclone 02A (1999): One of the deadliest cyclones to strike the region, this storm caused widespread destruction. It made landfall near Karachi, killing hundreds of people and displacing thousands. The cyclone brought devastating floods and left parts of the city submerged.
- Cyclone Phet (2010): Cyclone Phet was another powerful storm that affected Karachi, though it weakened significantly before reaching the city. Still, it brought heavy rain, leading to flooding and damage in low-lying areas. Phet was responsible for several casualties in Karachi and caused significant infrastructural damage along the coast.
- Cyclone Nilofar (2014): Although Nilofar weakened before reaching Karachi, the city was put on high alert due to the storm’s potential impact. Ultimately, the cyclone caused moderate rainfall and coastal flooding but did not result in major damage to Karachi.
Cyclones pose a significant risk to Karachi because of its dense population, poor drainage systems, and proximity to the Arabian Sea. Cyclone Asna, while not expected to make landfall directly in Karachi, highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the city to such extreme weather events(
