In recent times, the eastern coast of India experienced a significant environmental shift due to Cyclone Fani. This climatic event created four new mouths in Chilika Lake, altering the lagoon’s ecosystem and increasing the salinity of the Chilika lagoon.
The Impact of Cyclone Fani on Chilika Lake
Before Cyclone Fani hit the Odisha coast, Chilika Lake only had two active mouths, which are the points where the lake meets the sea. The force of the cyclone created four new openings, allowing an influx of seawater into the lake due to the high tidal prism caused by wave energy. The increase in salinity may potentially alter Chilika’s ecosystem. Typically, an increase in seawater can enhance fish migration and enrich biodiversity. However, the long-term effects of this change require vigilant monitoring.
About Chilika Lake
Chilika Lake is a brackish lagoon located in the Indian state of Odisha, across the three districts – Puri, Khurda, and Ganjam. It is the largest coastal lagoon in the country. Positioned at the mouth of the Daya River, Chilika Lake flows into the Bay of Bengal. Covering over 1,100 km2, it is designated as an international wetland under the Ramsar convention.
Key Facts About Cyclone Fani
| Cyclone Category | Name Suggested By | Meaning of Name |
|---|---|---|
| Extremely Severe Cyclone | Bangladesh | Snake or Hood of Snake |
Cyclone Fani was an Extremely Severe Cyclone (ESC). It was the fifth cyclone to hit India in May since 2004. Cyclone categorizations include severe, very severe, extremely severe, and super cyclonic storm.
What Makes Cyclone Fani Unique?
Two factors that set Cyclone Fani apart from other tropical cyclones are timing and strength. It is the second severe cyclone to form in April and make landfall in India in 128 years. Moreover, it holds the record for being the longest-lived cyclone in the Bay of Bengal. The storm effects lasted an expansive 11 days on sea and land.
Preparation for Cyclone Fani
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued numerous yellow warnings and made extensive use of Doppler radars at Paradip and Gopalpur ports for accurate cyclone tracking. Odisha took preemptive steps, evacuating over 1.2 million residents from vulnerable coastal areas. Teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), and state fire service personnel were deployed, and defence forces were on high alert.
The Early Warning Dissemination System
The Early Warning Dissemination System (EWDS), launched in 2018, played a crucial role in providing a fool-proof communication system for disaster warnings. As the first of its kind automatic public address system in India, it has been implemented under the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation project with the support of the World Bank.
Way Forward After Cyclone Fani
Cyclone Fani inflicted substantial devastation on Odisha, with extensive damage especially to infrastructure like power and telecommunications. The immediate aim is to restore livelihoods. Administrative forces are engaged in repair and relief measures, but swift rehabilitation is required in light of the impending monsoon season.
