Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are a common occurrence, and they can have a devastating impact on the people and infrastructure in the surrounding areas. These natural disasters are caused by a combination of warm ocean temperatures, high humidity, and atmospheric instability.
The Bay of Bengal is particularly prone to cyclones due to its location and the warm waters that surround it. In fact, the Bay of Bengal sees an average of five to six cyclones each year, with the most severe ones occurring between October and November.
In recent years, the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal have increased. The effects of these cyclones can be seen in the form of heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges, which can cause flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage. In 2020, the Bay of Bengal saw a record-breaking number of cyclones, with Amphan being the most devastating of them all, causing widespread destruction in parts of India and Bangladesh.
The Arabian Sea, on the other hand, is known for its relatively lower frequency of cyclones. However, in recent years, the number of cyclones in the Arabian Sea has been on the rise. In 2019, the Arabian Sea saw its first severe cyclone in over a decade, which caused extensive damage to the coastal regions of Oman and Yemen.
The impact of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea underscores the need for effective disaster management strategies and infrastructure planning. Governments and organizations must work together to prepare for and mitigate the effects of these natural disasters, ensuring the safety and well-being of those living in these regions.
In conclusion, cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea are a constant threat to the people and infrastructure in the surrounding areas. While the frequency and intensity of these natural disasters may vary, it is essential that we remain vigilant and prepared in the face of such challenges.
Some recent cyclones and their impacts in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea:
Cyclone Amphan (Bay of Bengal, 2020): Amphan was one of the most devastating cyclones to hit the Bay of Bengal in recent years, causing widespread destruction in parts of India and Bangladesh. The cyclone led to heavy rainfall, flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage, and claimed the lives of over 100 people.
Cyclone Fani (Bay of Bengal, 2019): Fani was another severe cyclone that hit the Bay of Bengal in 2019. The cyclone caused extensive damage to parts of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, with winds reaching up to 200 km/h. The cyclone resulted in over 80 deaths and caused millions of dollars worth of damage.
Cyclone Gaja (Bay of Bengal, 2018): Gaja was a severe cyclone that hit the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu in 2018. The cyclone caused widespread destruction in the region, damaging homes, crops, and infrastructure. The cyclone resulted in over 30 deaths and caused billions of dollars worth of damage.
Cyclone Kyarr (Arabian Sea, 2019): Kyarr was the first severe cyclone to hit the Arabian Sea in over a decade. The cyclone caused heavy rainfall, flooding, and landslides in parts of Oman and Yemen, resulting in several deaths and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Cyclone Luban (Arabian Sea, 2018): Luban was another severe cyclone that hit the Arabian Sea in 2018. The cyclone caused flooding, landslides, and infrastructure damage in parts of Oman and Yemen, resulting in several deat
- Cyclonic Storm Asani : The system intensified and was classified as a cyclonic storm by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on May 30, 2019. Asani continued to move northwards, and on June 3, it made landfall near Oman's eastern coast. Cyclone Asani formed in the North Indian Ocean region and was named by Sri Lanka, meaning "wrath" in Sinhalese. The cyclone also had a significant impact on several regions, including the coastal areas of West Bengal, Karnataka, and Odisha, as well as parts of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Despite its intensity, Cyclone Asani weakened into a deep depression as it made its way towards the Indian coast, with winds reaching speeds of 55-65 kmph gusting to 75 kmph.
- Cyclone Mandous: is a recent cyclone that impacted the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry coasts in December 2022. As you mentioned, the name 'Mandous' was suggested by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a member of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
One of the key characteristics of Cyclone Mandous was that it was a slow-moving cyclone that absorbed a significant amount of moisture, which allowed it to gain strength in the form of wind speeds. Eventually, it intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, causing significant damage and loss of life in the affected regions.
In recent years, technology has played an increasingly important role in monitoring and tracking cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. Here are some examples of the technology and missions used in monitoring cyclones in recent years:
Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) INSAT and GSAT satellites: These satellites provide critical data on weather patterns and movements of cyclones. ISRO's Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) and OceanSat-2 Scatterometer (OSCAT) are used to measure the wind speed and direction of the cyclone.
Doppler Weather Radar: This radar provides high-resolution images of the cyclone, showing the storm's structure and intensity. It provides crucial data to forecasters to predict the path and intensity of the cyclone.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Hurricane Hunter aircraft: These aircraft fly into the eye of the cyclone to collect data on wind speed, air pressure, and temperature. This data is used to improve forecasting models and predict the cyclone's intensity and path.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): UAVs equipped with sensors can fly into the cyclone's eye to gather data on wind speed and direction, temperature, and air pressure.
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS): INCOIS has developed an early warning system called the Ocean State Forecast (OSF) system. It uses data from satellites, buoys, and models to predict the path and intensity of the cyclone.
NAMING OF CYCLONES
Did you know that Cyclones that form in every ocean basin across the world are named by the regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and Tropical Cyclone Warning Centers (TCWCs)?
There are six RSMCs in the world, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and five TCWCs. Each of these centers is responsible for tracking and forecasting cyclones in their respective regions and issuing warnings to the public and local authorities.
Interestingly, the names of cyclones are not just randomly selected. In 2000, a group of nations called WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organization/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) decided to start naming cyclones in the region that comprises Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. After each country sent in suggestions, the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC) finalized the list of names.
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In 2018, the WMO/ESCAP expanded to include five more countries – Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Now, cyclones in the region are named using this list, which alternates between male and female names and is maintained by the PTC.
Naming cyclones not only makes it easier for the public and authorities to track and respond to them, but it also helps to avoid confusion when multiple storms are active at the same time. By following these naming conventions and relying on the expertise of meteorological centers, we can stay better prepared and protect ourselves and our communities from the destructive power of cyclones.
