Cyclones are large-scale air systems that spin around a strong point of low atmospheric pressure. In the Northern Hemisphere, cyclones are characterized by counterclockwise spiraling winds, whereas in the Southern Hemisphere, cyclones revolve in a clockwise direction. Polar vortices and extratropical cyclones of the jet stream are the greatest low-pressure systems.
The sea level rises and waves and storm surges that can be caused by a cyclone are a major problem for coastal regions. They can do a lot of harm to buildings and other structures. Flooding, landslides, and power outages are all possible results of a cyclone.
Cyclones are a common hazard in the region including the Indian subcontinent. Due to its modest depth and proximity to land, the Bay of Bengal is particularly at risk. There are some of the world's deadliest and most destructive storms in this area.
Most recently, in May of 2020, Cyclone Amphan made landfall in the area. With maximum sustained wind speeds of 185 mph, Amphan was responsible for extensive devastation over India and Bangladesh. At least one hundred individuals lost their lives, and almost $13 billion in property was destroyed, because of the cyclone.
The Bay of Bengal was battered by Storm Amphan, the fiercest cyclone in almost twenty years. It emphasizes the importance of better catastrophe preparation and response in the area.
Nivar, a Cyclone
Cyclone Nivar, now growing in the Bay of Bengal, is forecast to make landfall in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday night, bringing with it heavy rainfall and gusty gusts.
The Tamil Nadu and Puducherry regions have been placed under a red alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which means that residents should avoid going outside.
Storm surges of up to a meter and winds of up to 120 kilometers per hour are possible as a result of the cyclone. Between Karaikal and Mamallapuram is where it is predicted to make landfall.
People have been urged by the IMD to stay home and away from the coast. It has also told fisherman to get back to land and avoid the ocean.
Homes, trees, and electrical lines could all suffer damage from the cyclone. It might also cause problems with getting about and talking to others.
In anticipation of the storm, the government of Tamil Nadu has sent out rescue crews and established shelters for the afflicted. Furthermore, it has urged residents of low-lying regions to evacuate to higher ground.
Typhoon Ockhi
Large-scale destruction was wrought by the tropical storm Cyclone Ockhi in Kerala, India, and nearby nations in November 2017. It was on October 21 when the cyclone's precursor, a low-pressure region over the Gulf of Thailand, formed. On October 25 it was officially named a tropical cyclone and began a westward trek. On October 28 it made its way over the Malay Peninsula into the Bay of Bengal. On October 29 and 30, the cyclone reached the severe cyclonic storm and very severe cyclonic storm thresholds, respectively. On October 30 it made its way over Tamil Nadu, weakening into a cyclonic storm. On November 1 it re-intensified into a cyclonic storm, and by November 2 it had become a strong cyclonic storm. On November 3, it deteriorated into a cyclonic storm when it passed the coast of Kerala. At least 223 people died and nearly 5,700 are still missing after the cyclone devastated Kerala.
On October 31 and November 1, all educational institutions in Kerala were closed due to the impending storm. During the time period of October 31–November 3, the Kochi International Airport was closed. Several rail services were suspended, and numerous air travel plans were altered. Damage to crops and buildings in Kerala was also a result of the storm. Estimates from the state government put the cost of repairs at 19,512 crore (about US$2.9 billion).
The Lakshadweep Islands, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka were all negatively impacted by the storm. There were 17,000 individuals in Lakshadweep who were relocated to shelters. Over a thousand homes were destroyed and four individuals were murdered in Tamil Nadu. Two individuals were killed and more than a thousand homes were destroyed in Karnataka.
The Indian government sent in the Navy, the Coast Guard, the National Disaster Response Force, and the State Disaster Response Force to help with the relief efforts. Humans left trapped in the Lakshadweep Islands were flown there by the Indian Air Force and Navy. The Navy sent five ships to the Bay of Bengal to aid with rescue efforts.
Typhoon Gaja
Landfall for Cyclone Gaja occurred on the coast of Tamil Nadu, India, on November 16, 2018. Widespread destruction was inflicted on coastal regions as a result of the storm's torrential rainfall and high gusts. About 300,000 people had to leave their homes, and at least 45 individuals lost their lives.
Crops, buildings, and infrastructure were all harmed by the storm. The felled trees and electrical wires made it impossible to get around. Over 150,000 dwellings were either completely or partially destroyed. Many fishing vessels were either destroyed or severely damaged.
Cyclone Gaja's storm surge flooded coastal communities, inflicting extensive destruction. Over 90% of dwellings in the Nagapattinam area were either damaged or destroyed. There were also widespread effects on fishing communities.
The purpose of the Cyclone Gaja relief fund is to provide financial assistance to people who lost everything as a result of the cyclone. Similarly, the government of Tamil Nadu has promised a $144 million aid package.
Vardah, the Cyclone
Chennai was battered by Cyclone Vardah on December 12, 2016, and it was the city's worst storm in almost twenty years. The cyclone, which the India Meteorological Department had labeled a "very severe cyclonic storm," brought with it torrential downpours and gusts of up to 140 kilometers per hour. Trees were downed, roads and homes were flooded, and electricity and communication connections were disrupted as the storm wreaked havoc on the city. As many as ten people lost their life because of the storm.
Over Rs. 15,000 crore in damage was predicted by the government of Tamil Nadu. The state, still recuperating from the floods of 2015, was dealt a serious blow by the hurricane. The cyclone's victims need the assistance of the state government, which stepped in to give aid and help them recover. It also had to take precautions against illness outbreaks after the cyclone.
What the cyclone showed was how susceptible Chennai is to natural disasters. The city frequently experiences both floods and droughts. The city and state suffered extensive damage during the 2015 floods. Better urban planning and infrastructure to manage with extreme weather occurrences have been brought to the forefront by the 2016 storm.
Titli, the Cyclone
On October 8th, 2018, a cyclone by the name of Titli made landfall in the Indian state of Odisha. As a result, various areas of the state experienced flooding due to the severe downpours. Thousands of homes were destroyed, and over a hundred thousand people had to be moved to safety.
Over the Bay of Bengal, a cyclone named Titli (which means butterfly in Bengali) had formed and was now barreling towards the coast of Odisha at a pace of 17 kph. Landfall occurred between Gopalpur, Odisha, and Kalingapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, as a violent cyclonic storm.
Rainfall totals in Odisha were measured at above 200 millimeters due to the storm. Several districts were impacted by the water, including Ganjam, Khurda, Puri, and Nayagarh. Over a hundred thousand people had to be moved to safer areas, and many thousands of buildings were destroyed or severely damaged.
The cyclone warning was issued by the Indian Meteorological Department, who urged people to seek shelter inside. The government of Odisha also mobilized rescue teams to affected districts and prepared emergency shelters.
Crops, homes, and infrastructure in Odisha have all taken serious hits from the cyclone. According to the state government, the total cost of the disaster is over Rs 12,000 crore. Vegetable prices, as well as those of other necessities, are projected to go up in the state as a result of the hurricane.
Hudhud, a Cyclone
Cyclone The tropical cyclone Hudhud, which made landfall in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh on October 12, 2014, was the strongest to strike India since the Odisha cyclone of 1999. The city of Visakhapatnam took the brunt of the storm's destruction. A total of twenty-one individuals were murdered, and over two hundred thousand had to relocate because of it.
After making landfall in Srikakulam district, the storm traveled west-northwest and passed through Visakhapatnam district. It brought about widespread destruction as a result of its torrential rainfall and high gusts. More than 80% of trees in Visakhapatnam city were knocked down, and many structures were either severely damaged or completely destroyed. Crops were also damaged by the storm, especially in the Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts.
After Storm Nilofar, Cyclone Hudhud was the second tropical cyclone to strike India in October 2014. More than $1.6 billion in damage was incurred as a result of the two hurricanes.
Phailin, the Cyclone
India's east coast was blasted by Cyclone Phailin on Saturday, one of the worst storms to strike the nation in recent years, bringing with it torrential rains and gusts of up to 200 kilometers per hour (125 miles per hour).
Damage and displacement were extensive as a result of the cyclone, which is comparable to a category 4 hurricane. The states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh saw a mass exodus of over 500,000 individuals who were forced to leave their homes.
The storm destroyed houses and infrastructure and knocked off electricity and communication cables. As search-and-rescue activities and distribution of aid continue, the current death toll of 23 is certain to grow.
The destruction brought forth by Cyclone Phailin is a sobering example of the havoc that can be wreaked by extreme weather. Governments and emergency response teams need to be ready for such situations.
Cyclone warnings had been provided by the Indian Meteorological Department days in advance, allowing for the safe evacuation of low-lying regions. It will take time for the places hit by the tragedy to fully recover, however, because of the magnitude of the event.
Vayu, Cyclone
In the Arabian Sea, a tropical storm known as Cyclone Vayu is making landfall. On Thursday, June 13, 2019, it is predicted to make landfall in India.
Until it hits landfall, the storm has maximum sustained winds of up to 100 miles per hour. Heavy precipitation and gusty winds are predicted for areas of Gujarat, India.
The government of India has issued a warning to those who live in the storm's predicted path, advising them to take necessary safety measures. It is anticipated that the storm may result in power outages and delays in transit.
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