Cyclone Fengal – About Its Impact

Cyclone Fengal made its landfall in Puducherry on November 30, 2024. The cyclone brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Tamil Nadu. In response, the Tamil Nadu government suspended flight operations at Chennai airport and declared a holiday for educational institutions. IT companies were advised to allow employees to work from home. This event marks the importance of understanding cyclones and their implications.

What is a Cyclone?

A cyclone is a large-scale system of air that rotates around a low-pressure centre. It is associated with severe storms and adverse weather conditions. Cyclones have inward spiralling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Types of Cyclones

Cyclones are broadly classified into two categories – extratropical and tropical.

Extratropical Cyclones

Extratropical cyclones occur outside the tropics. They have cold air at their core and derive energy from interactions between warm and cold air masses. These cyclones are characterised by one or more fronts, which are boundaries between different air masses. They can occur over both land and ocean.

Tropical Cyclones

Tropical cyclones develop in regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer. They are among the most destructive storms on Earth. These cyclones form when thunderstorm activity builds near the centre of circulation. The cyclone’s core turns warm, drawing energy from the latent heat released as water vapour condenses. Unlike extratropical cyclones, tropical cyclones do not have associated warm or cold fronts. They have different names based on location and strength, such as hurricanes and typhoons.

About Landfall

Landfall refers to the event of a tropical cyclone moving onto land after being over water. A cyclone is said to have made landfall when its centre crosses the coast. It is important to distinguish landfall from a direct hit, which occurs when the core of high winds comes ashore. The damage from landfall varies based on the cyclone’s severity. Strong winds can cause extensive damage to structures and disrupt power and communication lines.

Duration of Landfall

Landfalls can last several hours. The duration depends on wind speed and storm size. Cyclones typically lose intensity after moving over land due to reduced moisture supply and increased surface friction. Therefore, while landfalls can be devastating, they also signal the cyclone’s diminishing strength.

Preparedness and Response

Effective preparedness is crucial to mitigate the impact of cyclones. Authorities must ensure timely evacuations and provide relief services. The deployment of rescue teams and preparation of relief centres are essential to safeguard affected populations.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Examine the differences between extratropical and tropical cyclones.
2. Analyse the factors that contribute to the damage caused by cyclones during landfall.
3. Critically discuss the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in cyclone preparedness and response.
4. Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.

Answer Hints:

1. Examine the differences between extratropical and tropical cyclones.

1. Extratropical cyclones occur outside the tropics, while tropical cyclones develop between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
2. Extratropical cyclones have cold air at their core and derive energy from the interaction of warm and cold air masses.
3. Tropical cyclones have a warm core and draw energy from latent heat released when water vapor condenses.
4. Extratropical cyclones are characterized by one or more fronts, whereas tropical cyclones do not have associated fronts.
5. Different naming conventions apply – tropical cyclones are called hurricanes or typhoons based on their location.

2. Analyse the factors that contribute to the damage caused by cyclones during landfall.

1. The severity of the cyclone, marked by wind speed, directly influences the extent of damage.
2. Strong winds can lead to extensive destruction of structures, especially kutcha houses.
3. Heavy rainfall can cause flooding, impacting escape routes and infrastructure.
4. Storm surges can exacerbate coastal flooding and lead to property damage.
5. Flying debris poses a threat to life and can cause injuries during landfall.

3. Critically discuss the role of the National Disaster Management Authority in cyclone preparedness and response.

1. The NDMA develops guidelines for cyclone preparedness, ensuring communities are informed and ready.
2. It coordinates evacuation efforts and the establishment of relief centres to support affected populations.
3. NDMA collaborates with state agencies to deploy rescue teams in vulnerable areas during cyclones.
4. It conducts training and awareness programs to enhance community resilience against cyclones.
5. NDMA monitors cyclone developments and disseminates real-time information to mitigate risks.

4. Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones.

1. Climate change is expected to increase sea surface temperatures, leading to more intense tropical cyclones.
2. Rising ocean temperatures can enhance the energy available for cyclone formation.
3. Changes in atmospheric conditions may alter cyclone patterns and increase their frequency.
4. Higher moisture levels in the atmosphere can lead to increased rainfall during cyclones.
5. Climate change may also contribute to rising sea levels, exacerbating storm surges and coastal flooding.