01 Sep 2024 | 04:13 AM UTC
Arabian Sea: Tropical Cyclone Asna tracking southwestward in the Arabian Sea as of early Sept. 1 /update 2
Tropical Cyclone Asna tracking southwestward in the Arabian Sea early Sept. 1. Adverse weather likely to continue over the coming days.
Tropical Cyclone Asna is tracking southwestward in the Arabian Sea, off Sindh Province, Pakistan, early Sept. 1. As of 08:00 PKT, the system's center of circulation was approximately 482 km (299 miles) northeast of Masirah Island, Oman.
Forecast models indicate that the weather system will weaken into a deep depression as it tracks southwestward towards eastern Oman through early Sept. 2 but dissipate before it reaches land. Some uncertainty remains in the track and intensity forecast, and changes could occur in the coming days.
As of early Sept. 1, the Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms are likely to continue across parts of far southern Balochistan Province through late Sept. 1. The heavy rainfall may result in flooding in low-lying areas of the Makran coast. Strong winds and rough seas are likely through Sept. 1; officials have advised fishermen in Balochistan Province not to go out to sea through Sept. 1.
The Oman Directorate General of Meteorology has issued red thunderstorm warnings across northern and northeastern Oman, including Jabal Shams Mountain, Qurayyat City, Saiq Town, and Sur Province. Authorities will likely issue new warnings or update existing advisories throughout the system's progression in the coming days.
Reports indicate 24 fatalities across southern Pakistan due to falling trees, floodwaters, and landslides. The death toll could rise further due to the ongoing severe weather.
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger flooding in low-lying areas and those with easily overwhelmed drainage systems. If weather conditions prove hazardous, localized evacuations, flash flooding, and landslides are possible.
Inclement weather could trigger localized business, transport, and utility disruptions, rendering some bridges or roadways impassable. Flight disruptions at regional airports and temporary port closures are also possible. Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a serious health threat.
Activate contingency plans in areas where officials forecast tropical storm conditions. Heed any evacuation orders that may be issued. Use extreme caution in low-lying coastal areas and near streams, creeks, and other waterways due to the potential for severe flooding and storm surge. Stockpile water, batteries, and other essentials in advance. Charge battery-powered devices when electricity is available; restrict the use of cellular phones to emergencies only. Power down mobile devices when not in use. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers. Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil-water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming weeks.
Plan accordingly for protracted commercial, transport, and logistics disruptions in areas in the path of the storm, especially if vital infrastructure is damaged. Seek updated information on road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where flooding has occurred. Confirm flights before checking out of hotels or driving to the airport; clearing passenger backlogs may take several days in some locations.
