GUJRAT: Residents of Kutch district in Gujarat have been advised to move from their vulnerable huts and makeshift homes to safer locations such as schools and temples due to an approaching cyclonic storm. This deep depression over the region is anticipated to intensify, with wind speeds potentially reaching 75 km/h. The storm, which could be named Asna, is unusual for this time of year.

Authorities in Kutch have issued a warning following predictions from the India Meteorological Department (IMD) that the deep depression could develop into a cyclonic storm by Friday morning. Kutch Collector Amit Arora has urged those living in Abdasa, Mandvi, and Lakhpat talukas to evacuate their huts and seek shelter in more secure buildings.

In a video message, Arora also encouraged locals to offer temporary shelter to those in need until the storm passes.

The IMD has reported that the deep depression over Kutch and surrounding areas is expected to shift westwards into the northeast Arabian Sea and strengthen into a cyclonic storm within the next 12 hours. It will then continue moving west-northwest, away from the Indian coast over the following two days.

Following the IMD's alert, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel convened a video conference with Arora at the State Emergency Operations Centre in Gandhinagar to discuss the district's preparedness.

If the storm evolves into a cyclone, it will be named Asna, a designation suggested by Pakistan. This situation is rare, as deep depressions over land typically do not transition into cyclonic storms over the sea, and cyclones forming in August in the Arabian Sea are also uncommon.

The IMD has warned of rough sea conditions and strong winds, potentially reaching speeds of 75 km/h along and off the Gujarat coast during this period.

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