Cyclones in India Formation, Types & Impact

1. Formation of Cyclones

A. Conditions for Cyclone Formation

Cyclones typically form in tropical regions where the following conditions exist:

1. Warm sea surface temperature (>26°C)

2. High humidity in the lower to middle levels of the troposphere

3. Low vertical wind shear

4. Presence of a pre-existing low-pressure area or disturbance

5. The Coriolis force, which helps the storm spin (absent near the equator)

B. Process of Cyclone Formation

1. Warm ocean water evaporates and rises.

2. Rising moist air cools, condenses, and releases latent heat, further lowering surface pressure.

3. The low-pressure area pulls in more air, creating a feedback loop.

4. The Coriolis force causes the air to spiral, leading to cyclonic rotation.

5. If conditions persist, the system intensifies into a tropical cyclone.

2. Types of Cyclones in India

A. Based on Location

B. Based on Intensity (IMD Classification)

3. Seasonal Occurrence

• Pre-Monsoon Season (April–June):

  • Warmer sea temperatures trigger cyclone formation.

  • Notable cyclones: Fani (2019), Amphan (2020)

• Post-Monsoon Season (October–December):

  • More favorable conditions due to retreating monsoon winds.

  • Cyclones like Nivar (2020), Michaung (2023) occurred during this period.

• Monsoon Season (June–September):

  • Upper-level winds generally suppress cyclone formation.

4. Impact of Cyclones in India

A. Human and Economic Losses

• Loss of lives due to floods, storm surges, and building collapse.

• Displacement of thousands; destruction of homes and property.

• Heavy economic losses in agriculture, transport, power, and infrastructure.

B. Agriculture

• Crop damage due to high winds and waterlogging.

• Salinity from storm surges ruins coastal farmland.

• Affects food supply and rural economy.

C. Infrastructure Damage

• Destruction of roads, railways, ports, and airports.

• Power outages and disruption in communication systems.

• Urban flooding causes chaos in cities.

D. Environmental Effects

• Coastal erosion and destruction of ecosystems like mangroves.

• Oil spills and industrial leaks worsen post-cyclone pollution.

• Damage to marine and bird life.

E. Health Hazards

• Increased risk of waterborne diseases (cholera, diarrhea) post-cyclone.

• Spread of mosquito-borne illnesses due to stagnant water.

• Psychological trauma and long-term mental health effects.

5. Major Cyclones in Recent Years

6. Cyclone Preparedness and Mitigation

A. Institutional Measures

• India Meteorological Department (IMD): Provides real-time warnings.

• NDMA and SDRF/NDRF: Handle disaster response and relief.

• Early Warning Systems (EWS): Satellite monitoring, Doppler radars, cyclone alerts.

B. Structural Measures

• Cyclone shelters in coastal regions.

• Mangrove afforestation and coastal green belts.

• Elevated roads, flood barriers, and storm-resistant buildings.

C. Community and Policy Initiatives

• Public awareness campaigns and evacuation drills.

• Smartphone alerts, radio communication, and disaster education.

• Policies under National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP).

Conclusion

Cyclones are natural but devastating events that significantly impact India's coastal regions. With climate change increasing their frequency and intensity, a proactive approach combining technology, infrastructure, and community engagement is critical. India has made considerable progress in forecasting and disaster management, but further investment in resilience and adaptation is essential for reducing cyclone-related risks.