Cyclone Dana is estimated to transform into a severe cyclonic storm by today, impacting coastal areas of Bay of Bengal like Odisha and West Bengal.
A cyclone is formed when a large amount of air spirals in an inward manner and rotates across a low-pressure zone. Cyclone formation in the Bay of Bengal during October and November has become very common nowadays. But, what's the reason behind this? Let's find out.
Generally, low pressure centers develop in the ocean, which is the first step of cyclonic storms. According to the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) data, approximately 58% of the cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal region make landfall on the eastern coastal area. The Bay of Bengal also holds the title of ‘80% of the world’s cyclone-related death,' as mentioned in ‘The Weather Channel’. Let's understand the key factors contributing to this condition around Bay of Bengal.
Land-surrounded Area: The Bay of Bengal (BoB) is encompassed by land from three sides. This promotes additional moisture concentration along with instability. The long and curved bay area amplify the wind speeds, intensifying the storm’s destructive potential.
Shallow Embayment: The BoB is comparatively shallow than the Arabian Sea. This allows faster heating and increased evaporation rate. Consequently, a high-pressure zone is created, leading to an instability.
Impact of Weather: By the end of October (which is a transition period followed by post-monsoon season) the low pressure areas over Northwest India gets transferred to the middle of the BoB, leading to formation of cyclonic storms.
Cyclone Dana LIVE updates: Depression forms over Bay of Bengal; to hit Odisha-Bengal coasts between October 24-25.
— Ashutosh Krishna (@IAmKrishnaaX) October 23, 2024
More than 5000 relief centers have been set up and they are expecting evacuation of around 10 lakh people, says Odisha Revenue, and Disaster Management Minister… pic.twitter.com/0VnwX8aSxL
“Cyclone Dana moved at a speed of 18km/hr during the last six hours and lay over east-central Bay of Bengal. It is very likely to move northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm over northwest Bay of Bengal by early morning of Thursday. It will cross north Odisha and West Bengal coasts between Puri and Sagar Island as a ‘severe’ cyclone during night of Thursday and Friday,” IMD said.
Credit - X/@IAmKrishnaaX
Districts along the coastal Odisha, West Bengal, and North Andhra Pradesh are on high alert, as high wind and rainfall likely to prevail over the next 2-3 days.
The Odisha and West Bengal governments have put emergency measures to minimise the impact from the Cyclone Dana. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has issued recommendations to prepare for a cyclone emergency. At least 7 districts in West Bengal including Purba and Paschim Medinipur and North and South 24 Parganas are put on high alert. The Odisha government has identified people to be evacuated from 3,000 vulnerable areas surrounding Kendrapara, where landfall is predicted. Several trains have already been cancelled starting from today.
Cyclone "Dana" - ECoR cancelled following trains for Safety and Security of Passengers and Trains.@RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/UYEgGuEQlu
— East Coast Railway (@EastCoastRail) October 22, 2024
Credit - X/@EastCoastRail
The tough situation needs combined effort to tackle it. Thus, it's important to contact all residents and spread awareness among them. Always think about protecting valuable belongings like certificates, emotional attachments, and so on.
It's a smart decision to keep some dry non-perishable food ready for emergency use. As emergency kit, keep a portable battery radio, torch, extra batteries, water containers, portable stove, eating utensils, first aid kit, medicines, waterproof bags ready with you.
Generally, wind speed enhances as the cyclonic storm comes near the landfall area. Make sure each of the electrical appliances are disconnected before the wind speed becomes highest. If you are trapped in certain place, never rush during evacuation. If you feel any structure is vulnerable, don't go near to them.Never listen to or entertain any rumours as it may create panic among others.
"In future, the states may experience a higher number of cyclones due to rise in mean surface sea temperatures (SST) in the Indian Ocean region," said an IMD official.
