Cyclone Amphan, dubbed as a “super cyclonic storm” by the India Meteorological Department, has recently been in the news for its impending arrival. The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at the national level have reviewed their preparedness measures, exhibiting the crucial role of these key committees in top-level decision-making concerning disaster management.
Understanding Cyclone Amphan
Originating over the Bay of Bengal, Cyclone Amphan (pronounced as UM-PUN) is a tropical cyclone that has shown signs of intensification. Expected to evolve into a super cyclonic storm, this climatic occurrence demands attention due to its potential maximum wind speed of 120 knots. Interestingly, it was Thailand that named this cyclone.
The Forecast: Landfall and Impact Areas
The India Meteorological Department predicts that Amphan will make landfall as a severe cyclone between the Sagar islands of West Bengal and the Hatiya islands of Bangladesh. This geographical positioning indicates the regions most likely to be affected – West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. The inhabitants of these areas are bracing themselves for the impending impacts of this intense storm.
Amphan: A Unique Pre-Monsoon Cyclone
Notably, Amphan is the second pre-monsoon cyclone to form in the Bay of Bengal within a span of two years, following Cyclone Fani. Typically, the pre-monsoon period is perceived as unsupportive for the formation of tropical cyclones, making Amphan a unique weather event warranting further scientific study and public awareness.
Role of National Committees in Disaster Management
The impending threat of Cyclone Amphan has spotlighted the roles of the NCMC and CCS in managing natural disasters. These committees have already taken strides in reviewing the preparedness measures for the cyclone, demonstrating their significant role in disaster mitigation at a national level. Their actions and strategies will be instrumental in minimizing the potential damages caused by Cyclone Amphan.
Looking Ahead: The Need for Preparedness
In light of the severity of Cyclone Amphan, it is essential to reemphasize the importance of preparedness measures and subsequent actions. These not only include adequate forecasting and warning systems but also encompass efficient evacuation plans, infrastructure resilience, and effective communication strategies. It is hoped that the combined efforts of national committees, local governments, and residents will mitigate the impacts of this severe tropical cyclone, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all affected.
The arrival of Cyclone Amphan serves as a reminder of the immense power of nature and the need for proactive disaster management. Its uniqueness, being a pre-monsoon cyclone, and its potential severity underline the importance of comprehensive preparedness measures, accurate forecasting, and effective management strategies. Over the coming days, the focus will undoubtedly be on the actions of the NCMC and CCS, and the collective effort to reduce the impacts of this super cyclonic storm.
