The Hindu Editorial Analysis - 19th June 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Preparedness pays off

Why in News?

 Landfall of Cyclone Biparjoy in the state of Gujarat.

Details

Cyclone Biparjoy and Landfall:

• Cyclone Biparjoy made landfall near Jakhau port in Gujarat's Kutch district.
• Landfall refers to a tropical cyclone reaching the coast after being over water.
• It signifies the movement of the storm's center or eye over the land.

Difference between Landfall and Direct Hit:

• Landfall: Center of the storm moves over the coast.
• Direct Hit: Core of high winds (eyewall) comes onshore, but the center of the storm remains offshore.
• Strongest winds in a cyclone may be experienced over land even without a landfall.

Impact of Cyclone's Landfall:

• Damage depends on the cyclone's severity, primarily determined by wind speed.
• Cyclone Biparjoy is classified as a "very severe cyclonic storm."
• Potential damages include extensive damage to kutcha houses, disruption of power and communication, minor disruption of transportation, threat from flying debris, and flooding of escape routes.
• Factors contributing to damage are strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges causing coastal floods.

Duration of Landfall:

• Landfalls typically last a few hours, depending on wind speed and storm size.
• Cyclone Biparjoy's landfall is expected to last around five to six hours.
• After landfall, the cyclone's intensity gradually decreases over the next 24 hours due to reduced moisture supply and increased surface friction.

Consequences of Landfall:

• Landfalls are often the most devastating moments of cyclones.
• They mark the beginning of the cyclone's weakening and eventual dissipation.
• As the cyclone moves over land, its impact diminishes, leading to a reduction in intensity.

About Cyclones

• A cyclone is a large-scale weather system characterized by low atmospheric pressure at its center and rotating winds.
• Cyclones can form over both land and water, but they are most commonly associated with tropical regions.
• They are also known by various names depending on the region, such as hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical cyclones.

Cyclone Classification:

• Cyclones are classified based on their wind speed and intensity.
• The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale is commonly used to categorize cyclones, ranging from Category 1 (weakest) to Category 5 (strongest).
• The classification helps predict the potential damage and preparedness measures required.

Formation and Life Cycle of Cyclones:

• Cyclones develop from tropical disturbances, which are areas of low pressure with organized thunderstorm activity.
• Warm ocean temperatures, moisture, and low wind shear provide favorable conditions for cyclone formation.
• The lifecycle of a cyclone includes stages such as tropical depression, tropical storm, and finally, a mature cyclone.

Impact and Destructive Elements:

• Strong Winds: Cyclones are characterized by powerful winds rotating around the center, known as the eye.
• Heavy Rainfall: Cyclones bring heavy precipitation, leading to extensive flooding and potential landslides.
• Storm Surge: The low pressure at the center of a cyclone causes a rise in sea level, resulting in a storm surge that can inundate coastal areas.

Tracking and Forecasting Cyclones:

• Meteorological agencies use advanced technologies, including satellites, radar, and computer models, to track and forecast cyclones.
• Early warning systems are crucial to providing sufficient time for evacuation and emergency preparedness.

Mitigation and Preparedness:

• Governments and disaster management agencies undertake measures to mitigate the impact of cyclones, including building cyclone shelters, implementing evacuation plans, and disseminating timely warnings.
• Public awareness campaigns educate communities about preparedness measures, such as securing property, stocking essential supplies, and heeding evacuation orders.

Environmental Significance:

• While cyclones bring destruction, they also play a vital role in maintaining the Earth's heat balance and redistributing heat from the tropics to higher latitudes.
• Cyclones contribute to the replenishment of water resources and are essential for ecological processes in coastal ecosystems.