Cyclone "Biporjoy" has emerged as a powerful cyclonic storm in the Arabian Sea. With the potential to intensify into a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, this system poses a significant threat to the coastal regions of Gujarat - India - and Pakistan. This article provides an in-depth understanding of cyclones, their formation, impact on affected areas, the process of naming cyclones, regions prone to cyclones, and the history's most destructive cyclone.
The Biporjoy Cyclone:
Cyclone Biporjoy is a powerful storm that has formed over the Arabian Sea. The name "Biporjoy" means "disaster" in Bengali. It has been named according to the guidelines set by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in order to prevent confusion in cases where multiple systems coexist in a single location and same time.
Current Status and Intensity of Biporjoy:
Cyclone Biporjoy has intensified into a Cyclonic Storm. It has been categorized as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS). It possesses wind speed of approximately 140-150 km/h and gusts up to 170 km/h. The current location of this Biporjoy Cyclone, as of Wed 14 june 2023, 11:00 am, is near Latitude 21.8° N and Longitude 66.4° E. It can be stated, roughly, as 338 km south of Karachi, 412 Km of Ormara and 288 km south of Keti Bander.
Path and Potential Landfall:
The cyclone is currently heading towards the coast of Indian Gujarat, and Pakistan.
It is projected to make landfall between the coastal areas of Gujarat and Pakistan.
The exact location of landfall is expected to be between Keti Bandar (Southeast Sindh Coastline) and the Indian Gujarat Coastline.
Potential Affected Areas:
The areas likely to be affected by Cyclone Biporjoy include:
Thatta, Badin, Sajawal, Tharparkar, Karachi, Mirpurkhas, Umerkot, Hyderabad, Ormara, Tando Allah Yar Khan, and Tando Mohammad Khan.
These areas are situated along the Southeast Sindh Coastline and the Indian Gujarat Coastline.
Considering this massive event in the Arabian sea, many of the people must be thinking about the cyclones, what are they?, how they form?, what could be their impact?, Which are the most affected areas of the world, How cyclones are named and how they can be mitigated? All these and many other questions are also addressed below. You can read them for the information and understanding of the cyclones.
What Are Cyclones?
Cyclones are intense weather phenomena characterized by rotating winds around a low-pressure center. They typically form over warm ocean waters near the equator and can span vast areas, sometimes extending hundreds of kilometers. Cyclones can be classified into various categories based on their intensity, such as tropical depressions, tropical storms, severe cyclonic storms, and very severe cyclonic storms.
Formation and Occurrence of Cyclones:
Cyclones primarily form over tropical oceans when several conditions align. Warm sea surface temperatures, high humidity, and low vertical wind shear create an environment conducive to cyclone development. As warm air rises, it creates a low-pressure area, drawing in surrounding air. This air, fueled by warm water vapor, starts to rotate due to the Earth's rotation and the Coriolis effect, forming a cyclone.
Impact of Cyclones on Affected Areas:
Cyclones can have severe consequences for the areas they impact. The primary hazards associated with cyclones include heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding. These events can lead to extensive damage to infrastructure, loss of lives, displacement of huge number of population, and disruption of essential services such as power, water, and communication networks.
Naming of Cyclones: How Cyclones are Named?
To avoid confusion when multiple cyclones occur simultaneously, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has established a naming system. Six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) are authorized to issue advisories and assign names to tropical cyclones worldwide. The names are usually selected from predefined lists and can vary based on the region.
History's Worst Cyclone:
One of the most devastating cyclones in history is the Bhola cyclone that struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in November 1970. It resulted in an estimated death toll of 300,000 to 500,000 people, primarily due to storm surges and subsequent flooding. The Bhola cyclone serves as a reminder of the destructive power and immense human tragedy that cyclones can bring.
Regions Prone to Cyclones:
Cyclones occur in various parts of the world, but some regions are more prone to their occurrence. The Bay of Bengal, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, and the southwestern Pacific Ocean are known for their cyclone activity. Coastal areas of India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Australia, the Philippines, and the United States are among the most cyclone-prone regions.
How the Impacts of Cyclones can be Reduced?
Reducing the impact of cyclones requires a combination of preparedness, timely response, and effective mitigation measures. Here are some precautionary measures that can help minimize the impact of cyclones:
1. Early Warning Systems:
Establish robust early warning systems that can detect and track cyclones accurately.
Ensure timely Dissemination of alerts and warnings to vulnerable communities through various communication channels such as radio, television, SMS alerts, and mobile apps.
2. Infrastructure Resilience:
Construct buildings and infrastructure to withstand high winds and heavy rainfall associated with cyclones.
Strengthen critical infrastructure such as hospitals, power stations, and communication networks to ensure their functionality during and after a cyclone.
3. Coastal Protection:
Implement coastal protection measures such as sea walls, dunes, and mangrove conservation to reduce the impact of storm surges.
Restore and maintain natural barriers like coral reefs and wetlands, which can absorb the energy of the waves and protect coastal communities.
4. Community Awareness and Education:
Conduct community outreach programs to raise awareness about cyclones, their risks, and appropriate response measures.
5. Emergency Services and Response:
Strengthen emergency response capabilities by training and equipping local authorities, emergency services, and first responders.
Coordinate and establish effective communication channels between different response agencies to facilitate a prompt and coordinated response.
6. Post-Cyclone Recovery:
Develop robust post-cyclone recovery plans to restore critical services, infrastructure, and livelihoods in affected areas.
Provide support and assistance to affected communities, including access to healthcare, clean water, sanitation, and temporary shelters.
Conclusion:
As Cyclone Biporjoy approaches the Gujarat and Pakistan coastlines, authorities and communities in the region must remain vigilant and follow the guidance provided by meteorological agencies. Understanding the nature of cyclones, their formation, and potential impact is crucial in mitigating the risks associated with these intense weather events. By staying informed and prepared, affected areas can better respond to and minimize the impact of Cyclone Biporjoy and other future cyclones.
