RECENT CYCLONES

Recent cyclones have highlighted the increasing intensity and frequency of such events, likely influenced by climate change.

1. Cyclone Amphan (2020)

• Region: Bay of Bengal
• Formation and Path: Amphan formed on May 16, 2020, and intensified rapidly into a Super Cyclonic Storm, reaching peak intensity on May 18. It made landfall in West Bengal, India, and also impacted Bangladesh.
• Impact: Amphan caused extensive damage in India and Bangladesh, particularly in the Sundarbans region. Over 100 people died, and millions were displaced. The cyclone caused significant economic losses, estimated at over $13 billion.
• Response: Both India and Bangladesh undertook large-scale evacuations, which helped minimize the loss of life. Relief efforts were complicated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

2. Hurricane Laura (2020)

• Region: Atlantic Ocean
• Formation and Path: Laura formed on August 20, 2020, and strengthened into a Category 4 hurricane before making landfall in Louisiana, USA, on August 27.
• Impact: Laura caused severe damage in Louisiana, with winds reaching up to 150 mph. It resulted in 77 fatalities and caused an estimated $19 billion in damages, making it one of the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history.
• Response: The U.S. National Guard and FEMA were heavily involved in rescue and recovery operations. Evacuations were ordered in affected areas, reducing potential casualties.

3. Cyclone Tauktae (2021)

• Region: Arabian Sea
• Formation and Path: Tauktae formed on May 14, 2021, and rapidly intensified, reaching Category 4 status. It made landfall in Gujarat, India, on May 17.
• Impact: Tauktae was one of the strongest cyclones to hit the Gujarat coast, causing widespread damage. It led to over 150 deaths and significant infrastructure damage, with losses estimated at around $2 billion.
• Response: The Indian government carried out extensive evacuations and deployed rescue teams. The response was hampered by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, adding to the challenges faced by emergency services.

4. Hurricane Ida (2021)

• Region: Atlantic Ocean
• Formation and Path: Ida formed on August 26, 2021, and quickly intensified to a Category 4 hurricane, making landfall in Louisiana on August 29.
• Impact: Ida caused catastrophic damage along the Gulf Coast, particularly in Louisiana, with winds up to 150 mph. It led to widespread flooding and power outages. The remnants of Ida also caused severe flooding in the Northeastern U.S. states, including New York and New Jersey. The total damage was estimated at around $75 billion.
• Response: Extensive evacuations and emergency responses were conducted. The federal and state governments coordinated relief efforts, including deploying the National Guard and FEMA.

5. Typhoon Rai (Odette) (2021)

• Region: Western Pacific Ocean
• Formation and Path: Typhoon Rai, known locally as Odette, formed on December 12, 2021. It rapidly intensified to a Category 5 typhoon before making multiple landfalls in the Philippines starting on December 16.
• Impact: Rai caused severe destruction in the Philippines, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. It resulted in over 400 fatalities and displaced hundreds of thousands of people. The damage was extensive, with an estimated cost of over $1 billion.
• Response: The Philippine government, along with international aid organizations, launched massive relief operations. The response efforts focused on providing food, water, and shelter to the affected populations.

6. Cyclone Yaas (2021)

• Region: Bay of Bengal
• Formation and Path: Yaas formed on May 23, 2021, and intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. It made landfall in Odisha, India, on May 26.
• Impact: Yaas caused extensive flooding and damage in Odisha and West Bengal, affecting millions of people. It resulted in several fatalities and caused significant economic losses, estimated at over $2.5 billion.
• Response: The Indian government and state authorities conducted large-scale evacuations and pre-positioned relief materials. The Indian Navy and Air Force were involved in rescue and relief operations.

Cyclone Biparjoy(2023)

Cyclone Biparjoy is an Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm that originated in east central Arabian Sea on June 6th. It reached peak speeds of 195km/hr. It is expected to make landfall in Gujarat on 15th June 2023 with speeds in excess of 150 km/hr.

Summary

Recent cyclones have underscored the importance of preparedness and swift response to minimize loss of life and property. Climate change is likely contributing to the increasing intensity of these storms, making it crucial for countries to enhance their disaster management strategies and infrastructure resilience. The examples of Cyclones Amphan, Tauktae, Yaas, and Typhoons Rai, as well as Hurricanes Laura and Ida, illustrate the wide-ranging impacts and the efforts required to mitigate their effects.