Syllabus: GS I Important Geophysical Phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,
Analyze the formation, impacts, and mitigation strategies of hurricanes, drawing insights from recent global events. Examine India’s preparedness and response to cyclonic disturbances along its coastal regions.
(15 marks, 250 words)
Hurricane Milton, which made landfall near Siesta Key in Florida, brought severe impacts including heavy rainfall, flooding, tornadoes, storm surges, and powerful winds to the region.
What is a Hurricane?
Hurricanes are among the most destructive weather phenomena on Earth, characterized by intense winds and heavy rainfall. They primarily develop over warm ocean waters near the equator, with the term “hurricane” specifically referring to such storms that form in the Atlantic Ocean or eastern Pacific Ocean. The broader scientific term for these storms, occurring globally, is tropical cyclone. Depending on the region, they may also be called typhoons, cyclones, or severe tropical storms. Regardless of their regional names, they share similar mechanisms and causes, posing significant threats when they make landfall.
Formation of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones function as engines powered by warm, moist air from the ocean. The primary conditions required for their formation are:
- Warm Ocean Water: Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures of at least 80°F (27°C) in the upper 50 meters of the ocean. These conditions are primarily found in tropical regions, as warm waters provide the energy needed to fuel cyclone development.
- Wind: Winds blowing from Africa westward play a critical role in tropical cyclone formation, particularly in the Atlantic basin. These winds supply the energy needed to sustain the storm system.
- Evaporation and Cloud Formation: Warm ocean waters lead to evaporation, which results in the formation of towering cumulonimbus clouds. As this rising moisture condenses, it releases heat, which intensifies the storm and fosters the development of a structured storm system.
Stages of Cyclone Formation
Meteorologists categorize the development of tropical cyclones into four key stages:
- Tropical Disturbance: A cluster of thunderstorms forms due to warm ocean waters, generating rising air and creating a circulating pattern around a central low-pressure area.
- Tropical Depression: As the storm intensifies, warm air rising from the ocean leads to decreasing pressure at the surface, causing winds to rotate faster, reaching speeds between 25 and 38 mph.
- Tropical Storm: When wind speeds exceed 39 mph, the storm is classified as a tropical storm and is assigned a name. The storm’s circulation strengthens further.
- Hurricane: Once wind speeds reach 74 mph, the system becomes a fully developed hurricane, characterized by a well-defined eye, strong winds, and the potential for significant destruction.
Climate Change and Hurricanes
- Rising Ocean Temperatures and Increased Intensity: Climate change has contributed to rising sea surface temperatures, which intensify hurricane strength and increase the likelihood of stronger storms.
- Example: Human-induced climate change contributed to the intensification of Hurricane Helene’s wind speeds by 11% and increased rainfall by 10%.
- Increased Rainfall: Warmer ocean temperatures enhance the capacity of hurricanes to produce heavier rainfall, leading to more catastrophic flooding.
- Example: Hurricane Dorian (2019) experienced 5-18% more rainfall due to climate change, significantly amplifying its destructive potential.
- Rising Sea Levels and Storm Surges: As sea levels rise due to global warming, storm surges become more severe, increasing the likelihood of flooding in coastal regions.
- Projection: Sea levels could rise by 29 cm to 82 cm by the end of the century, exacerbating flooding risks.
- Increased Frequency of Storms: Climate change has made tropical cyclones more likely to form, particularly in regions vulnerable to warm ocean waters.
- Example: A warming planet now makes storms like Hurricane Ian (2022) 18% more likely to occur.
Impacts of Hurricanes
- Human Toll: Although early warning systems have improved, hurricanes continue to claim lives, cause injuries, and displace populations.
- Economic and Livelihood Effects: Hurricanes destroy infrastructure, including roads, bridges, power lines, and water systems, leading to significant economic losses. Farming and fishing communities suffer as crops, livestock, and equipment are damaged.
- Infrastructural Damage: Damage to essential services such as hospitals, schools, and emergency response facilities delays recovery and hampers resilience efforts.
- Population Displacement: Hurricanes force mass evacuations, leaving populations vulnerable to overcrowded shelters and limited resources.
- Environmental Damage: Hurricanes destroy forests, coral reefs, and coastal ecosystems, causing long-term harm to marine life and reducing biodiversity.
- Health Impacts: Floodwaters lead to waterborne diseases like cholera, dysentery, and outbreaks of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.
India’s Preparedness for Cyclonic Disturbances
India, being a large peninsular nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, faces frequent cyclonic disturbances, particularly along its eastern and western coasts. The key regions prone to cyclones include states like Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.
Challenges in Preparedness:
- Lack of Trained Professionals: India faces a shortage of specialized personnel trained in disaster management and cyclonic preparedness, especially in remote areas.
- Inadequate Early Warning Systems: While India’s meteorological agencies have made significant progress, gaps remain in real-time forecasting, especially in rural areas prone to cyclones.
- Limited Infrastructure: Coastal areas often lack proper cyclone-resistant infrastructure, including early warning systems, cyclone shelters, and adequate communication systems.
- Awareness and Education: Public awareness about cyclones remains insufficient, particularly in remote and marginalized communities, leading to inadequate preparedness.
- Poor Health Infrastructure: Many healthcare facilities in cyclone-prone areas are not well-equipped to handle the surge in injuries and health crises that arise during and after storms.
Mitigation Strategies:
- Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Improve real-time forecasting, expand coverage in vulnerable areas, and ensure timely dissemination of warnings to coastal communities.
- Building Resilient Infrastructure: Invest in cyclone-resistant buildings, coastal embankments, and flood defenses, ensuring better preparedness for future storms.
- Training and Capacity Building: Increase the number of trained professionals in disaster management, focusing on rural and coastal regions.
- Community Awareness Programs: Conduct regular awareness campaigns to educate people on cyclone preparedness, evacuation procedures, and the importance of early warning systems.
- Enhanced Health Systems: Strengthen healthcare facilities and emergency response capabilities to manage health impacts effectively during and after cyclones.
- Integration of Technology: Use satellite imaging, drones, and mobile applications to monitor and track cyclonic disturbances, improving response and recovery efforts.
- Collaboration and Policy Frameworks: Strengthen coordination between various agencies, including meteorological, disaster management, and health services, to ensure a unified and effective response system.
Conclusion
Hurricanes are complex and destructive natural phenomena, intensified by climate change, posing severe risks to vulnerable regions like India. Strengthening early warning systems, enhancing infrastructure, and promoting awareness are crucial to reducing the impact of cyclones. By building resilient systems and ensuring better preparedness, India can mitigate the devastating effects of cyclonic disturbances, safeguarding its coastal regions and populations.
