The Odisha coast is usually hit by cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal. They cannot be diverted or prohibited. So, well-preparedness is the key solution to this disaster, viewed experts here on Tuesday.
The experts discussed cyclone-related issues at a seminar on ‘Tropical Cyclones: Observation, Analysis & Prediction’ organised in the premises of the ITER here.
Director of Meteorological Centre, Bhubaneswar Dr SC Sahu and Odisha Biogyan president Prof UC Mohanty graced the occasion as guests. They were also felicitated on the
occasion.
In his speech, Dr Sahu said every year around 100 cyclones are occurring on earth. However, 20 of them become disastrous. The Odisha coast is usually affected by the cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal. They cannot be diverted or prohibited. So well praparedness is the key solution to this cyclonic disaster, he said.
Head of Civil Engineering Department of ITER Prof Manas Das gave a comparative note of damages caused the Super Cyclone in 1999, Phailin in 2013 and Hudhud this year, and their declining wind speeds.
“The human casualties during the Super Cyclone were more than 10,000. However, during Phailin and Hudhud the death toll has decreased drastically. These indicate that better cyclonic management has been adopted though passing of successive storms,” he said. He appreciated Bhubaneswar IMD centre for its much advanced and accurate
forecast.
Prof UC Mohanty viewed that the global warming and climate change are the key issues behind occurring of nature furies in Odisha. According to Prof Mohanty, Odisha becomes victim of cyclones as they move towards north to northwest in northern hemisphere on which route Odisha is
situated.
Further, the Odisha coast is comparatively having lesser seawater level and numerous rivers and rivulets.
These conditions are causing more evaporation and, subsequently, stronger cyclones.
Prof Mohanty said the impact of the Super Cyclone 1999 was equivalent to the energy of 2000 nuclear bombs. Odisha has experienced the highest number of 101 cyclones created in the Bay of Bengal between 1892 and 1994 followed by Andhra with 68 and West Bengal 52, he informed.
Among others, SOA University vice-chancellor Prof RP Mohanty, ITER Deans Dr PK Sahoo and Dr PK Nanda spoke.