CYCLONES IN INDIA

The term "cyclone" refers to a large-scale weather system characterized by strong winds rotating around a centre of low atmospheric pressure. Cyclones are a type of atmospheric disturbance that can bring about severe weather conditions such as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and h- Very severe cyclonic storms causing widespread damage and casualties in Bangladesh and Myanmar with high winds. These systems can vary in size and intensity, ranging from small, weak cyclones to large, powerful ones known as tropical cyclones or hurricanes.

Cyclones are categorized based on their location and strength. For example, tropical cyclones form over warm ocean waters near the equator and are classified based on their wind speeds, such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, and hurricanes (typhoons in the western Pacific). Extratropical cyclones, on the other hand, form outside the tropics and are associated with frontal systems and mid-latitude weather patterns.

Cyclones can have significant impacts on coastal regions and maritime activities, making them important phenomena to monitor and understand for weather forecasting and disaster preparedness.

1. List of Cyclones in India and the World That Hit Recently

Cyclone Name	Location	Landfall Date	Impact and Path
Cyclone Jasper	Northeastern Australia	December 13, 2023	- Damaging winds and heavy rainfall leading to flash flooding. - Thousands of homes and businesses without power.
Cyclone Michaung	Andhra Pradesh, India	December 5, 2023	- Strong winds and heavy rainfall causing damage to infrastructure and loss of lives.
Cyclone ‘Midhili’	Bangladesh coast	November 17, 2023	- Made landfall with heavy rain and winds. - Impact includes inundation of villages and disruption of services.
Cyclone ‘Hamoon’	Southeastern coast of Bangladesh	October 25, 2023	- Evacuation of thousands due to severe weather conditions. - Raised concerns about climate change impacts.
Cyclone Tej	Arabian Sea, potential impact on Mumbai, Pune	Forecasted around October 21, 2023	- IMD issued a cautionary notice about a potential cyclonic storm. - Uncertainty about evolution into a cyclonic storm.
Cyclone Biparjoy	Gujarat, India	June 15, 2023	- Landfall with strong winds and heavy rains causing casualties and damage to infrastructure.
Cyclone Fabien	Southeast of Diego Garcia	April 17, 2023	- Tropical cyclone with significant wind speeds and gusts. - Movement towards the southwest direction.
Cyclone Mocha	Bay of Bengal, landfall in Bangladesh	May 14, 2023	- Very severe cyclonic storm causing widespread damage and casualties in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Cyclone Mandous	Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chennai coast	December 14, 2022	Severe cyclonic storms hit coastal areas, causing disruptions and damage.
Cyclone Sitrang	Assam, Odisha, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands	October 22-25, 2022	Weak tropical cyclone impacting multiple states with heavy rains and localized damage.
Cyclone Asani	Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Odisha	May 7-12, 2022	The first cyclonic storm of 2022 caused severe rainfall and flooding in several states.
Cyclone Jawad	Odisha, Andhra Pradesh	Expected, Not Yet Landfall	The deep depression over the Bay of Bengal likely to intensify into a cyclonic storm, causing potential disruptions and evacuations.
Cyclone Gulaab	North Andhra Pradesh, Odisha coasts	September 25, 2021	Impacting coastal regions with warnings issued by IMD for precautionary measures.
Cyclone Tauktae	Southern Gujarat, Saurashtra	May 17, 2021	Very Severe Cyclonic Storm causing significant damage and casualties across Gujarat and neighbouring states.
Cyclone Yaas	West Bengal, Odisha coasts	May 2021	Cyclonic storm hitting coastal areas with preparations and evacuations conducted beforehand.
Cyclone Nisarga	Alibag, Mumbai	June 2020	Impacting Mumbai and surrounding areas, causing deaths, injuries, and infrastructure damage.
Cyclone Amphan	Odisha, West Bengal	May 2020	Super cyclone causing widespread destruction in Odisha and West Bengal.
Cyclone Kyarr	Western India, Oman, UAE, Socotra, Somalia	October 2019	Strong tropical cyclone affecting multiple countries in the region.
Cyclone Maha	Gujarat, Indian coast	November 2019	Extremely severe cyclonic storms affect coastal areas with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
Cyclone Vayu	Gujarat, Maldives, Pakistan, Oman	June 2019	Very severe cyclonic storm causing moderate damage in Gujarat and other regions.
Cyclone Hikka	Oman, Arabian Sea	September 2019	Intense cyclonic storm impacting Oman and regions along the Arabian Sea.
Cyclone Fani	Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, East India	May 2019	The strongest tropical storm affected Odisha and surrounding states, causing widespread destruction.
Cyclone Bulbul	West Bengal, Bangladesh	09 NOV 2019	Very severe cyclonic storms causing heavy rainfall and floods in affected regions

2. About Cyclones

Cyclones, also known as hurricanes or typhoons depending on the region, are powerful tropical storms characterized by low-pressure centres, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. These storms form over warm ocean waters near the equator and are fueled by the heat and moisture from the ocean surface.

Cyclones typically form over warm ocean waters with sea surface temperatures of at least 26.5°C (79.7°F). As the warm, moist air near the surface rises, it creates an area of low pressure. This low-pressure system then draws in more warm air from the surrounding area, causing the air to spiral upward and form clouds.
Cyclones consist of several key components, including the eye, eyewall, and rainbands. The eye is a circular area of calm and relatively clear skies at the centre of the storm. Surrounding the eye is the eyewall, which contains the strongest winds and heaviest rainfall. Rainbands extend outward from the eyewall and produce additional rain and wind.
Cyclones are classified based on their maximum sustained wind speeds. The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is commonly used to categorize cyclones into five categories, ranging from Category 1 (winds of 74-95 mph) to Category 5 (winds of 157 mph or higher).
Cyclones can have devastating impacts on coastal areas and inland regions. The strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding associated with cyclones can cause widespread damage to infrastructure, homes, and crops. They can also result in loss of life and displacement of populations.
Cyclones typically occur during specific seasons in different parts of the world. For example, the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, while the Pacific typhoon season generally occurs from May to October. In the Southern Hemisphere, cyclone seasons often occur during the summer months.
Meteorological agencies use satellites, radar, and computer models to track the formation and movement of cyclones. Advanced warning systems allow authorities to issue alerts and evacuation orders to help communities prepare for and respond to cyclone threats.
There is evidence to suggest that climate change may influence the frequency, intensity, and distribution of cyclones. Warmer ocean temperatures can provide more energy to fuel cyclone development, potentially leading to stronger storms. However, the relationship between climate change and cyclones is complex and subject to ongoing research.

3. Causes of Cyclones in India and Worldwide

Cyclones are often triggered by unstable atmospheric conditions. When warm, moist air rises rapidly, it creates an area of low pressure at the surface. This instability can lead to the formation of convective clouds and thunderstorms, which are the initial stages of cyclone development.
Wind shear refers to the change in wind speed and direction with altitude. Low wind shear allows cyclones to maintain their structure and intensify. Vertical wind shear, where winds change significantly with height, can disrupt cyclone formation and weaken existing storms.
Cyclones draw their energy from warm ocean waters. Sea surface temperatures of at least 26.5°C (79.7°F) are generally needed to fuel cyclone development. Warmer waters provide more moisture and heat to the atmosphere, enhancing the instability that drives cyclone formation.
Cyclones often originate from pre-existing disturbances, such as tropical waves or areas of low pressure. These disturbances can evolve into organized systems under favourable atmospheric conditions, leading to cyclone formation.
The Coriolis effect, caused by the Earth's rotation, plays a crucial role in cyclone formation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to the right, creating cyclonic circulation around areas of low pressure. In the Southern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the left.
High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere contributes to cyclone development. Moisture-laden air rising from the ocean surface cools and condenses, releasing latent heat and further fueling the storm's convective processes.

Understanding these key factors helps meteorologists predict and monitor cyclone formation, providing valuable information for disaster preparedness and response efforts in vulnerable regions like India and around the world.

4. Types of Cyclones

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones are intense low-pressure systems that form over warm ocean waters near the equator. They are characterized by strong winds rotating around a central eye, with a well-defined circulation pattern. Tropical cyclones are further categorized based on their intensity.

Characteristics

Tropical cyclones are characterized by rotating clouds and thunderstorms over tropical or subtropical areas.
They have very high wind velocity and heavy rainfall.
Movement is directed from east to west.
Form only overseas with temperatures above 26-27 degrees Celsius and dissipate upon reaching land.
Duration typically lasts 5-7 days.

Distribution in India: Vulnerable states for tropical cyclones include Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat.

Extratropical/Temperate/Frontal Cyclones

Extratropical cyclones, also known as mid-latitude cyclones or temperate cyclones, form outside the tropics, usually in higher latitudes. They derive their energy from temperature contrasts between air masses rather than warm ocean waters. Extratropical cyclones often bring heavy precipitation, strong winds, and temperature changes.

Characteristics

Also known as Midlatitude Cyclones, these cyclones originate from temperate and high-latitude regions within 30 to 60 degrees.
Characterized by cold fronts, warm fronts, and occluded fronts.
Move from west to east.
Air velocity is comparatively lower compared to tropical cyclones.
Form over both land and sea.
Duration typically lasts for 15-20 days.

5. Regional names of Cyclones

Cyclones are known by various regional names based on their geographical location.

Taifu Refers to cyclones in Japan and the surrounding region.
In the USA, the term "tornadoes" specifically refers to rotating columns of air often associated with severe thunderstorms, although they are distinct from tropical cyclones.
Baguio is used in the Philippines to refer to tropical cyclones affecting the country.
Typhoons are Commonly used in the China Sea region, particularly for tropical cyclones affecting countries like Japan, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Hurricanes are used in the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, particularly for tropical cyclones affecting regions like the Caribbean islands, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southeastern United States.
Willy-willies is a term used in Northern Australia to describe tropical cyclones affecting that region.
Tropical Cyclones are more general and can be used interchangeably with cyclones in various regions, including the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific.

6. How Cyclones Get Their Names

Cyclones are named through systematic protocols established by Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers (TCWCs) to ensure clarity and avoid controversies.

Early Naming Practices

In the past, cyclones were often assigned names randomly, with little consistency.
Some historical accounts suggest naming cyclones after Catholic saints.
Later, a shift occurred towards using female names, possibly due to the tradition of referring to ships as feminine.
Eventually, male names were also incorporated to create a more balanced system.

Modern Systematic Naming

The guidelines followed in the naming process

Avoiding Controversial Names

Names should not have political connotations or relate to political figures.
They should not be associated with specific religious beliefs or cultures.
Names must not be gender-specific to avoid biases.

Respecting Global Sentiments

Names chosen should not hurt the sentiments of any community worldwide.
Cultural sensitivity is maintained when selecting cyclone names.

Length and Pronunciation

Cyclone names must be at least 8 letters long to facilitate easy identification and tracking.
Names should be simple to pronounce and remember for clarity in communication.

Unique Names

Once a name is used for a cyclone, it should not be reused in the future.
This ensures that each cyclone has a distinct name and prevents confusion during discussions and reports.

By adhering to the guidelines, naming bodies ensure that cyclones are given appropriate names that are globally accepted and do not cause unnecessary controversy or confusion.

7. Responsibilities for Naming Cyclones

World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and ESCAP:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) collaborates with the United Nations Economic & Social Commission for the Asia Pacific (ESCAP) for cyclone nomenclature.
ESCAP includes countries such as Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
Suggestions for cyclone names are submitted by these countries to WMO/ESCAP.

Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalizes the cyclone names based on the suggestions received from member countries.

Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs):

Cyclones forming in various ocean basins worldwide are named by six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs).
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) operates as an RSMC and is responsible for naming cyclones in the north Indian Ocean region, covering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.

By following these processes and involving regional and global meteorological organizations, cyclones are named systematically and consistently across different regions to facilitate better communication and understanding among stakeholders and the public.

8. Cyclone-Prone Areas in India

India, with its vast coastline, faces cyclone threats in several regions.

East Coast

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), nearly all eastern coastal states and union territories are susceptible to cyclones.
States like West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry experience the brunt of cyclones hitting the eastern coast, with an average of two to four cyclones affecting these regions annually.

West Coast

The western coastline of India is generally less prone to cyclones compared to the east coast.
However, cyclones can still impact states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala.

Most Vulnerable Regions

The east coast states of West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry are considered the most vulnerable to cyclones in India.
On the west coast, Gujarat experiences the most significant cyclone threats.

Effective disaster preparedness, early warning systems, and community resilience are crucial in mitigating the impacts of cyclones. Collaboration among meteorological agencies, government bodies, and communities is essential for building resilience and ensuring timely responses to cyclonic events, thereby reducing the loss of life and property associated with these natural disasters.

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CYCLONES IN INDIA

CYCLONES IN INDIA

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