New Delhi: Severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ made landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal with winds gusting up to 135 kilometres per hour, bringing heavy rain that flooded homes and farmland and leaving a trail of destruction. The landfall process began at 8.30 pm on Sunday over the adjacent coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. “Severe cyclonic storm Remal made landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh on Sunday night with wind speeds reaching up to 135 kmph,” the meteorological office said. According to the eastern regional head of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Somnath Dutta indicated that southern Bengal districts would experience increasing winds and rainfall. But do you know what a severe cyclonic storm or landfall means? Let us find out through this article.
5 terms to know that are used during a cyclone
Wind warning
Each country has its own system for warning about strong winds. In India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) uses a 3-minute average for sustained wind. This means they measure the highest 3-minute surface wind within the system’s circulation. These winds are observed at a height of 10 m (33 ft) in an unobstructed area. The National Hurricane Centre, on the other hand, uses a 1-minute average time for reporting the sustained wind. In most countries, a 10-minute average time is used for this purpose.
Storm surge warning
Storm surge
A storm surge is usually estimated by subtracting the normal or astronomic high tide from the observed storm tide.
Storm Surge Warning
The storm surge warning is associated with an ongoing or potential tropical cyclone, a subtropical cyclone or a post-tropical cyclone. A storm surge warning is when there is a danger of life-threatening inundation from rising water moving inland from the shoreline within a specified area, generally within 36 hours. The alert can be issued earlier when conditions like tropical storm-force winds are expected to limit the time available to take protective actions for the surge. This storm surge warning may also be issued for locations not expecting to receive any life-threatening inundation, which can be potentially isolated by inundation in adjacent areas.
Landfall
A landfall occurs when a tropical cyclone comes onto the land after being over water. In a tropical cyclone, a landfall happens when the storm’s centre moves across the coast. This is where most of the damage occurs within a mature tropical cyclone. These effects include the peaking of the storm surge, the core of strong winds coming onshore, and heavy rain floods. These, coupled with high surf, can cause major beach erosion.
When the cyclone lands, the eye closes in upon itself due to the weakening process, which causes surf to decline. Due to frictional differences between water and land with the free atmosphere, the maximum sustained wind naturally decreases as the cyclone moves inland.
Landfall of a cyclone should not be confused with a direct hit. Where the core of high winds comes onshore, but the storm’s centre may stay off-shore, it is known as a direct hit.
Severe cyclonic storm
A severe cyclonic storm occurs when a maximum wind speed is between 89-117 kmph (48-63 knots). If the maximum wind is between 64-89 and 90- 119 knots, it is known as a very severe cyclonic storm and a highly severe cyclonic storm, respectively. A super cyclonic storm happens when the wind is 120 knots and above. Over the north Indian Ocean, 2-3 severe cyclonic storms occur out of 5-6 cyclonic storms, and the frequency of severe cyclonic storms is maximum for Andhra Pradesh. At the same time, the cyclone is the maximum for Odisha. On the west coast, Gujarat is the most vulnerable.
What is the damage that can be caused by a severe cyclonic storm?
Severe cyclonic storms can pose significant threats, causing substantial damage to thatched houses or huts and causing rooftops to blow off. It’s important to be aware of these potential dangers.
There can be minor damage to power and communication lines.
A severe cyclonic storm can also cause major damage to Kutcha and minor damage to Pucca roads and affect rail and air routes.
Large avenue trees can be uprooted or branches broken, and motorboat movement is unsafe.
Fishermen warning
A meteorological department issues a fisherman warning for fishermen who ply coastal areas or may go out at sea. This warning is not just information but a crucial measure to protect the lives of our fishermen, highlighting their importance and safety.
Strong off-shore and onshore winds with speeds exceeding 45kmph.
Squally weather – frequent squalls with rain or persistent type of strong gusty winds (>20kts; 36kmph) accompanied by rain.
Galesand.
The state of the sea is very rough or above.
These warnings are issued to fishermen through ports, fisheries officials, and AIR, and they are broadcast daily three to four times in the local language.
The fishermen’s warning contains information about
Synoptic situation
Squally and gale wind
Sea condition
Signals hoisted
Advice not to go out into the sea
With winds gusting up to 135 km/hour, severe cyclonic storm ‘Remal’ made landfall between the coasts of Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal. In this article, let’s understand some of the terminology used during a cyclone. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
