Preparatory Measures by Indian Coast Guard Ahead of Cyclone Remal
Context:
In anticipation of Cyclone Storm ‘Remal,’ the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is undertaking comprehensive preparatory measures.
Relevance:
Gs-01 (Physical Geography)
About Cyclone Remal:
- Cyclone Remal is forecasted to strike between the coasts of Bangladesh and West Bengal.
- The depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to escalate into a cyclonic storm, particularly in the east-central Bay of Bengal.
- The cyclone is projected to hit the Bangladesh and West Bengal coastlines as a severe cyclonic storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kilometres per hour as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- The cyclone will likely bring extremely heavy rainfall to the coastal districts of West Bengal and northern Odisha and to parts of northeast India.
- Name and Meaning: Named ‘Remal’ by Oman, the term means ‘sand’ in Arabic.
- The IMD anticipates a storm surge of approximately one metre above the astronomical tide inundating low-lying areas of coastal West Bengal, and 1.0-1.5 metres over Bangladesh at the time of landfall.
Mitigating the Impact of Cyclone:
IMD Advisories:
- Complete suspension of fishing operations.
- Regulation of surface transport and shipping activities.
- Control of onshore and offshore operations as per established guidelines.
- Avoiding outdoor activities in vulnerable regions.
- Seeking shelter in safe locations.
ICG Coordination Efforts:
- The ICG is collaborating closely with state administrations and relevant stakeholders to ensure a coordinated response to any contingencies arising from the cyclone.
Tropical Cyclones:
- Violent storms originating over tropical oceans, tropical cyclones move towards coastal areas, causing extensive destruction with violent winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
- Favored conditions for their formation include a large sea surface with temperatures above 27°C, the Coriolis force, small variations in vertical wind speed, a pre-existing low-pressure area, and upper-level divergence.
- Tropical Cyclone Stages:
- Relies on the transfer of water vapor and heat from warm oceans, resulting in the formation of massive cumulus clouds
- Mature Stage: Involves intensification with vigorous thunderstorms, generating a warm ‘eye’ at the center and highly turbulent cumulus thundercloud bands.
- Weakening occurs when the source of warm, moist air diminishes, especially after landfall or passing over cold waters.
- Nomenclature of Tropical Cyclones: Cyclones are named under the World Meteorological Organization’s guidance, involving contributions from countries in the region. For the Indian Ocean region, a naming formula involves eight contributing countries, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
- Worldwide Terminology: Tropical cyclones are referred to differently globally, such as typhoons in the China Sea, hurricanes in the Caribbean, and tornadoes in West Africa and southern USA.
- Extratropical Cyclones:
- Also known as mid-latitude depressions or temperate cyclones, extratropical cyclones form above mid-latitudinal regions where polar and tropical air masses meet and create fronts. They are less violent than tropical cyclones and move from west to east.
Cyclones in India:
- Tropical cyclones originating over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea impact Indian coastal states.
- These cyclones cause destruction through strong winds, torrential rains, and storm surges, affecting states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Gujarat.