Cyclone Fengal’s Impact on Tamil Nadu

Cyclone Fengal, which struck near Puducherry on November 30, 2023, was a low-intensity storm. Despite its wind speeds ranging from 75 to 95 kmph, it caused destruction. The cyclone resulted in at least 12 fatalities, primarily in Tamil Nadu, along with extensive damage to properties and crops.

Cyclone Categories

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies cyclones based on their wind speeds. The categories include: – Low Pressure – 222 kmph Cyclone Fengal was classified as a cyclonic storm but was less intense compared to past storms.

Comparison with Past Cyclones

Historically, Indian coasts have faced severe cyclones. Notable examples include: – Odisha Super Cyclone (1999) – Max wind speed of 260 kmph – Cyclone Phailin (2013) – Max wind speed of 215 kmph – Cyclone Amphan (2020) – Max wind speed of 185 kmph Fengal’s wind speeds were lower than these storms, yet it caused extensive damage.

Impact of Cyclone Fengal

The cyclone led to heavy rainfall and flooding across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Key affected areas included: – Krishnagiri and Villupuram in northern Tamil Nadu. – Mailam village recorded 510 mm of rainfall in 24 hours. – Puducherry experienced 490 mm of rainfall in a single day, breaking a 19-year-old record. Transport systems were severely disrupted. Highways were submerged, and water bodies overflowed.

Reasons for Destruction

Fengal’s slow movement contributed to its destructive impact. It moved at times slower than 6 kmph and remained stationary for nearly 12 hours post-landfall. This prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall and strong winds intensified the destruction. Typically, cyclones weaken upon landfall due to friction from terrain. However, Fengal’s stationary behaviour exacerbated its effects, resulting in a higher casualty rate compared to more intense recent cyclones, like Dana.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the classification of cyclones by the India Meteorological Department.
2. What are the factors contributing to the destructive potential of cyclones? Provide suitable examples.
3. Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of cyclones in India.
4. Point out the differences in human casualties during Cyclone Fengal and other recent cyclones. What factors contributed to this disparity?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the classification of cyclones by the India Meteorological Department.

1. The IMD classifies cyclones based on wind speed, ranging from low pressure (222 kmph).
2. This classification helps in assessing the potential impact and necessary preparedness measures.
3. Each category indicates the severity and expected damage, aiding in timely warnings to vulnerable regions.
4. However, the classification may not fully account for other factors like rainfall intensity and storm movement.
5. Recent storms, like Fengal, highlight that lower-intensity cyclones can still cause destruction, questioning the adequacy of current categories.

2. What are the factors contributing to the destructive potential of cyclones? Provide suitable examples.

1. Wind speed is a primary factor; higher speeds generally lead to greater destruction.
2. Rainfall intensity can exacerbate flooding, as seen with Fengal’s record rainfall in Puducherry.
3. Storm movement plays important role; slow-moving cyclones can linger over areas, causing prolonged damage.
4. Geographical features, such as coastal topography and urbanization, can influence the impact of a cyclone.
5. Historical examples, like the Odisha Super Cyclone, show how wind speed and movement patterns determine damage levels.

3. Estimate the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of cyclones in India.

1. Climate change is expected to increase sea surface temperatures, which can lead to more intense cyclones.
2. Studies suggest a potential rise in the frequency of severe cyclones due to changing atmospheric conditions.
3. Increased moisture in the atmosphere can result in heavier rainfall during cyclones, enhancing flooding risks.
4. Regions previously less affected may experience more frequent storms, shifting the risk landscape in India.
5. Research indicates that while the overall number of cyclones may not rise , their intensity could increase, leading to greater destruction.

4. Point out the differences in human casualties during Cyclone Fengal and other recent cyclones. What factors contributed to this disparity?

1. Cyclone Fengal resulted in at least 12 fatalities, while recent storms like Dana had minimal casualties.
2. The slow movement of Fengal allowed it to maintain intensity and cause prolonged rainfall and flooding.
3. Fengal’s landfall near densely populated areas contributed to higher casualty rates compared to less populated regions affected by other storms.
4. Emergency preparedness and response measures may have been more effective in recent cyclones, mitigating casualties.
5. The nature of the storm’s impact, including rainfall and wind patterns, played role in determining human losses.