The recent Cyclone Gulab, which made landfall on India’s east coast, has brought the topic of cyclones to the forefront. After weakening into a depression, the remnants of Gulab are predicted to gather force over the Arabian Sea and form another cyclone named Shaheen. This article examines the main aspects of cyclones through the example of Cyclone Gulab, including their naming, occurrence, classification, and a brief overview of cyclones that have affected India in 2020-2021.
Naming of Cyclones: Who Named Gulab?
Cyclone Gulab, a tropical cyclone, was named by Pakistan according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) guidelines that stipulate each region’s countries should provide names for cyclones. The North Indian Ocean Region covers cyclones formed over the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. The countries under this region include Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Yemen. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), one of six Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres worldwide and an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is tasked to issue advisories and name cyclones in the North Indian Ocean Region.
Occurrence: When Do Cyclones Occur?
India experiences two primary cyclone seasons annually, from March to May and October to December. However, cyclones can occasionally form in September and June. Notably, Cyclone Gulab was the third cyclone of the 21st century to make landfall over the east coast in September, following Tropical Cyclone Daye in 2018 and Pyarr in 2005. Typically, cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region emerge during pre-monsoon (April to June) and post-monsoon (October to December) periods. The months of May-June and October-November are known for producing severe cyclones that affect the Indian coasts.
Classification: How Are Cyclones Classified?
The IMD classifies cyclones based on the Maximum Sustained Surface Wind Speed (MSW) they generate. The categories include severe (48-63 knots), very severe (64-89 knots), extremely severe (90-119 knots), and super cyclonic storm (120 knots or more). To give context, one knot is equivalent to 1.8 kilometers per hour. Cyclone Gulab fell under the ‘severe’ category, reaching a maximum speed of 95 km/hr.
Recent Cyclones in India
Several significant cyclones have affected India in the past couple of years. These include Tauktae, Yaas, Nisarga, and Amphan that occurred in 2020-21. Understanding and tracking the patterns of these cyclones is paramount for disaster management and mitigating the impact on human life and property.
