The India Meteorological Department (IMD) will release a dynamic, impact-based cyclone warning system, aimed at minimising economic losses and damage to property due to the cyclones that hit Indian coasts every year.
There were 21 depressions, eight cyclonic storms, six severe cyclonic storms, six very severe cyclonic storms, four extremely severe cyclonic storms in 2019.Presently, a low pressure is predicted to form over north Andaman Sea and adjoining Bay of Bengal around October 9 and 11.
With improved technology and increased use of satellite-guided data in recent years, IMD has managed to better forecast cyclones and issue warnings.The post-monsoon months of October and November offer favourable sea conditions for the occurrence of cyclonic storms, which mainly affect the livelihoods of people of coastal Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal.IMD organized an on-line pre-cyclone exercise meeting on October 6 to review the preparedness, take stock of requirements, plan for the cyclone season October-December, 2020 and share new initiatives with stakeholders.Speaking on 'Chasing the Cyclones' at an event, IMD Director General Mrutunjay Mohapatra said the new system will give specific warnings. For instance, if a district is to be hit by winds up to 160 kmph, it will warn about the kind of infrastructure that is likely to be damaged and these can be mapped.
Under the system, location or district-specific tailored warnings, which factor in the local population, infrastructure, settlements, land use and other elements, will be prepared and disseminated. All disaster management agencies will make extensive use of cartographic, geological and hydrological data available for the district concerned.
He also informed the stakeholders about various mobile apps launched by IMD including Damini for lightning forecast, Mausam & Umang for weather forecast including cyclone warning and Meghdoot for agrometeorological advisories.
Until now, the IMD gave warnings about the kind of damage expected during a cyclone. Climatologically, Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea normally experience five cyclones annually - one over Arabian Sea and four over the Bay of Bengal. Out of five cyclones, one develops during pre-monsoon season and four post monsoon.