Cyclones are characterised by rapid inward air circulation in the vicinity of a low-pressure area. In the Northern Hemisphere, air circulates counterclockwise, while in the Southern Hemisphere, air circulates clockwise. Cyclones are frequently accompanied by intense storms and inclement weather. Tropical cyclones form across the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean. They are large-scale weather systems that form over tropical or subtropical oceans and coalesce into surface wind circulation. This article will explain to you the Cyclones in India which will be helpful in Geography preparation for the UPSC Civil service exam.

Cyclones

• Tropical cyclones from across the Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean.
• These tropical storms impacted the Indian coastal states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat, with extremely high wind speeds and severe rainfall.
• These five states are more vulnerable to cyclone disasters than others in India.
• Due to the great wind velocity and copious rain that accompany them, the majority of these cyclones are extremely destructive.
• Tropical cyclones are circular winds.
• Its winds whirl around a low-pressure zone near the center of the planet. The rotation of the winds is primarily influenced by the low-pressure center and the Earth's rotation.
• As a result, cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Contrary to common opinion, cyclones do not inflict significant damage to underwater coral reefs.

*To read more about this topic, click on this link Tropical Cyclones

Cyclones in India

• Cyclones strike India during the North Indian Ocean Cyclone Season, which lasts from April to November.
• The length of the Indian coastline is approximately 7516 km, with 5770 km of it subject to natural disasters such as cyclones. The east coast of India is more vulnerable to cyclones than the west.
• Various cyclones have made news in Indian history because of their impact on the country.

Bhola Cyclone 1970

• In 1970, it hit Bangladesh (then East Pakistan) and West Bengal.
• It was the most powerful cyclone in the North Indian Ocean Cyclone Season of 1970.
• It is regarded as the worst hurricane, killing about 3-5 lakh people.

Odisha Cyclone – 1999

• A powerful cyclonic storm hit Thailand, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and India.
• Odisha, as the name implies, was the most impacted Indian state.
• According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), this cyclone killed around 9887 persons.

Cyclone Fani – 2019

• It was the second strongest storm to hit Odisha after Odisha Cyclone 1999.
• This was Cyclone Fani, which had been hanging off the shore of southern India's east coast.
• Since Storm Mala made landfall in Myanmar in 2006, Cyclone Fani is the first cyclone to be classified as "severe" by the Indian meteorological service.

Cyclone Amphan – 2020

• It was a super tropical cyclone that hit India's West Bengal and Odisha, as well as Bangladesh.
• In May 2020, it first appeared in the Bay of Bengal.
• It is known to be the most expensive tropical cyclone on record in the North Indian Ocean, with an economic loss of Rs. 1.03 crores.

Cyclone Nisarga – 2020

• It was a powerful cyclonic storm that developed over the Arabian Sea.
• Storm Nisarga is a tropical cyclone created by unusually high water temperatures.
• The Indian states hit by this cyclonic storm were Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Cyclone Nivar – 2020

• In November 2020, a severe cyclonic storm hit Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
• There were no fatalities, but the horticultural crops on around 23000 acres were devastated.
• The beaches of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are suffering heavy rainfall and severe gusts as a result of the approaching storm.
• Due to the severe rain, several portions of Chennai's metropolitan metropolis have been inundated.

Cyclone Burevi – 2020

• In India, it was a cyclonic cyclone that hit Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
• In December 2020, it followed the Nivar Cyclone and formed in the southwest part of the Bay of Bengal.

Cyclone Tauktae - 2021

• As it rushed over the coastal states of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra, the storm left a path of damage in its wake.
• Tauktae is the fourth cyclone to form in the Arabian Sea in four years, all of which occurred during the pre-monsoon season (April to June).

Nomenclature of Cyclones

• Tropical cyclone naming is a relatively new concept.
• The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) oversees the naming of cyclones, which involves various nations in the region.
• In 2004, an agreement was reached on a naming methodology for cyclones in the Indian Ocean area.
• Eight nations in the region - Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand - have donated a set of names that are allocated successively whenever a cyclonic storm forms.
• Cyclones in the Indian Ocean have names such Hudhud, Titli, Phethai, Fani, Vayu, and Amphan.

Consequences of Cyclone in India

• Cyclones are related with three components that inflict devastation during their occurrence. These are as follows:
• Strong winds/squalls: They cause damage to installations, homes, communications systems, trees, and other structures, resulting in loss of life and property.
• Inland floods and torrential rains: Rain is a major issue for those who have lost shelter as a result of the hurricane.
• Heavy rainfall is typically dispersed across a considerable region, causing large-scale soil erosion and embankment deterioration.
• Storm surge: An abnormal rise in sea level along the shore induced by a powerful tropical cyclone.
• Storm surge causes sea water to inundate low-lying coastal areas, drowning people and livestock, eroding beaches and embankments, destroying vegetation, and reducing soil fertility.

Cyclone Management in India

• There are several structural and non-structural measures for successful cyclone catastrophe management.
• Construction of cyclone shelters, construction of cyclone-resistant buildings, road linkages, culverts, bridges, canals, drains, saline embankments, surface water tanks, communication and power transmission networks, and so on are among the structural measures.
• Non-structural interventions include early warning dissemination systems, coastal zone management, disaster risk management, and capacity building for all stakeholders.
• These measures are being implemented and addressed on a state-by-state basis under the World Bank-funded National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).
• National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Initiative India launched this project to implement structural and non-structural measures to lessen the impacts of a cyclone.
• Project for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
• The Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change( MoEF&CC.) issued a draft of the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) for integrated coastal management in August 2019.
• It intends to develop a comprehensive strategy for coastal management.
• Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) — Zones that govern the use of land along the coast.
• The Notification of CRZ New changes pertaining to the sustainable development of coastal regions will be implemented in 2018 and 2019. In the linked article, you may learn more about the Coastal Regulation Zones.

Conclusion

A tropical cyclone is a powerful circular storm that forms over warm tropical waters and is distinguished by low air pressure, strong winds, and heavy rain. Over somewhat warm ocean waters, cyclones develop. To support the formation of a cyclone, the temperature of the top layer of the sea, up to a depth of about 60 metres, must be at least 28°C.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the minimum wind speed for a storm to be classified as a severe cyclonic storm in India?

A) 39 mph
B) 74 mph
C) 50 mph
D) 60 mph

2. Which Indian state is most frequently impacted by cyclones originating from the Bay of Bengal?

A) Gujarat
B) Maharashtra
C) Odisha
D) Kerala

3. What is the primary agency responsible for cyclone forecasting in India?

A) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
B) India Meteorological Department (IMD)
C) Ministry of Earth Sciences
D) National Remote Sensing Centre

4. Which of the following factors is NOT a cause of cyclones in India?

A) Warm sea surface temperatures
B) High humidity
C) Mountain ranges
D) Favorable wind patterns

5. What is one of the primary economic impacts of cyclones in India?

A) Decreased exports
B) Loss of life
C) Damage to infrastructure
D) Increased employment

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the factors contributing to the formation of cyclones in India and their regional variations.

Answer: Cyclones in India are primarily formed due to several meteorological factors, including warm sea surface temperatures, high atmospheric humidity, and low-pressure systems. The Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea are the main regions where cyclones develop, influenced by the southwest monsoon and northeast monsoon winds. Regional variations arise from geographic features; for instance, the Bay of Bengal often experiences more frequent and severe cyclones compared to the Arabian Sea due to warmer water temperatures and conducive atmospheric conditions. Additionally, the coastal topography and wind patterns in different states affect the intensity and frequency of cyclones, resulting in significant impacts on states like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, which are more prone to cyclonic storms.

Q2: Discuss the measures taken by the Indian government for cyclone preparedness and disaster management.

Answer: The Indian government has established a comprehensive framework for cyclone preparedness and disaster management, which includes the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). Key measures include the India Meteorological Department (IMD) for accurate forecasting and early warning systems, regular drills and training for emergency responders, and the establishment of cyclone shelters along vulnerable coastal regions. The government also emphasizes public awareness campaigns to educate communities on evacuation plans and safety protocols during cyclonic events. Additionally, post-cyclone recovery measures include financial assistance for rebuilding infrastructure and providing relief to affected communities, ensuring resilience against future cyclones.

Q3: Evaluate the socio-economic impacts of cyclones on coastal communities in India.

Answer: Cyclones have profound socio-economic impacts on coastal communities in India. Economically, they lead to significant losses in agriculture, fisheries, and infrastructure, disrupting livelihoods and local economies. The destruction of crops and fishing vessels exacerbates food insecurity and income loss among vulnerable populations. Socially, cyclones result in displacement and loss of life, creating long-term psychological impacts on affected communities. Recovery often takes years, requiring substantial government support and aid. Additionally, cyclones can lead to migration as families seek better opportunities elsewhere, further altering community structures and dynamics. Addressing these impacts requires integrated disaster risk management strategies and community-based approaches to enhance resilience.

Previous Year Questions on Cyclones in India

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2021:

Question: Which body is primarily responsible for forecasting cyclones in India?

A) National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
B) India Meteorological Department (IMD)
C) Ministry of Earth Sciences
D) Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)

Answer: (B)

Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for forecasting cyclones and providing early warning information in India.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2020 (GS Paper 1):

Question: "Examine the impact of cyclones on the economy and society of India, with reference to recent cyclonic events."

Answer: Cyclones have a significant impact on India's economy and society, often leading to extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of crops, and disruption of livelihoods. Recent cyclonic events have illustrated the vulnerability of coastal communities and the extensive economic costs associated with disaster recovery. The destruction of agricultural lands leads to food shortages and loss of income for farmers, while damage to homes and infrastructure requires substantial government investment in recovery efforts. Socially, cyclones result in displacement, creating challenges in healthcare and education for affected populations. These impacts underscore the need for robust disaster management strategies and improved resilience measures to safeguard vulnerable communities against the effects of cyclones.