CYCLONE
BIPORJOY – GEOGRAPHY
News: Cyclone Bibarjoy set to hit Gujarat coast
What is in the news?
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When it comes to cyclones
then the Indian subcontinent is one of the worst affected regions in the
world-why? And measures taken by the Government to deal with the cyclones.
Reasons:
1. Geography:
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India is located in the
region where the cyclonic activities are high.
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The North Indian Ocean is
highly susceptible to the cyclonic formation due to a variety of reasons.
2. Long coastline:
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India has bordered both
the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea; This is a more vulnerable zone to the
cyclonic system.
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Cyclones in the Bay of
Bengal tend to affect the eastern coastal states like Odisha, Andhra Pradesh,
and West Bengal, while those in the Arabian Sea affect the western coastal
states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
3. Warm Ocean Waters:
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The Bay of Bengal and the
Arabian Sea have high sea surface temperatures, especially during the
pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.
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Warm waters provide the
necessary heat and moisture for cyclone formation and intensification.
4. Monsoon Season:
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The Indian subcontinent
experiences a monsoon climate, with a seasonal reversal of winds.
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This seasonal reversal of winds creates a conducive environment for the
formation of the cyclones.
5. Climate Change:
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Climate change can also
play a role in influencing cyclone behavior and intensity, potentially leading
to more severe cyclones in the region.
6. Cyclone Frequency and Intensity:
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The Indian Ocean has
witnessed an increase in the frequency
and intensity of cyclones in recent years.
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This heightened activity
raises the risk of more cyclone-related disasters.
Government measures:
1. National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project:
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India initiated this
project in 2007 to undertake
structural and non-structural measures to mitigate the cyclone’s effects.
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The aim of the project is
to protect the vulnerable local communities from the impact of cyclones and
other hydro-meteorological calamities.
2. Color coding by IMD:
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The India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a color-coded system to
warn people about the severity of a cyclone. The colors range from green (no
warning) to red (severe).
3. Early warning system:
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The government has a
well-established early warning system for cyclones.
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This system uses
satellite data and ground observations to track the progress of cyclones and to
issue warnings to the public.
4. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)
Project:
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This project was launched
in 1992 to manage coastal areas in a sustainable manner. The project has been
implemented in 13 coastal states and
union territories.
CONCLUSION:
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Intensity and frequency
of the cyclones have increased in recent times due to climate change. So, the
government can take structural and non structural measures to reduce the
impacts of the cyclones.