The destructive cyclones that hit India

The destructive cyclones that hit India

Do you know how many have lost their lives to cyclones? Cyclones have been responsible for the death of nearly 2 million people worldwide. They are among the most destructive natural disasters. Although cities are affected by cyclones, the most potent effect of these natural disasters is felt around the coastal areas. Figuratively speaking, the cyclones do an excellent job of bringing the sea at its angriest to people’s homes.

This is how the Cyclones are named

A panel of experts from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Thailand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen etc. is entrusted with the authority of giving names to cyclones. The cyclones are named to specify particular characteristics and to alert the people of the region about their development. Common names are used as the technical names are not comprehendible by the general population. It also helps the media of different nations synergize their warning news on the cyclone. 

How are these cyclone names selected?

Short, easily pronounceable names that do not hurt any religious, cultural, or political sentiments are assigned to each cyclone. The length of the name is limited to a maximum of eight letters.  

Cyclone Tauktae

This classified VISS or Very Severe Cyclonic Storm emerged from the Arabian sea to hit Southern Gujarat around mid-May in 2021. More than 20 people lost their lives across 3 Indian states. The most affected states were Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat. Cyclone Tauktae subsequently decreased in intensity and moved towards Saurashtra and South Rajasthan.  

Cyclone Yaas and Gulab

Cyclone Yaas got its name from Oman. This word in the Persian language means Jasmine flower. Ahead of the impending Cyclone Yaas, the country’s Prime Minister and Home Minister, the Chief Ministers of the states of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal and the LG of Andaman and Nicobar Islands collaborated over video conferences, phone calls, etc. 

The cyclones mainly struck the coastal areas of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The Meteorological Department issued noticed the development and intensification of deep depression over the Bay of Bengal and issued a warning. The Central and State Governments collaborated on a disaster management strategy. Warnings in the popular media went into high gear, 

Several trains were cancelled, etc. However, Cyclone Yaas did leave a trail of destruction. A few months after the destructive experience of Cyclone Yaas, India was hit by Cyclone Gulab. The Meteorological Department started issuing warnings for North Andhra Pradesh, nearby coastal areas of Odisha. However, Cyclone Gulab was not as destructive as Cyclone Yaas.

Cyclone Fani, Amphan and Bulbul

Cyclone Fani moved from West Bengal to the Odisha coastline causing some damage to West Bengal but more to Odisha and adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh. However, Cyclone Aman was one of the worst cyclones for West Bengal and Odisha. It took the lives of more than 100 people during its havoc demolition run. More than seventy people were killed in the state of West Bengal alone. Aman is a Thai word. In the Thai language, Amphan means Sky. Cyclone Bulbul caused widespread paranoia as it followed Aman. However, it moved to Bangladesh after causing some damage to the coastal areas of West Bengal and Odisha.