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Cyclone Nivar is a tropical cyclone which are large storms that form over warm ocean waters. Cyclone Nivar impacted Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and southern Karnataka with heavy rains, strong winds and coastal flooding on 24 & 25th November 2020. It was classified as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm as it reached speeds of 120 km/h. It caused about 5000 crores in damages in just two days.
The term "cyclone" comes from the Greek word "cyclos," as when they approach they look like "coils of a snake". The ocean is filled with warm water. This warm water heats up the air above it, causing it to rise. This rising air is like a hot air balloon, filled with water vapor that it collected from the ocean. As the warm air rises, it leaves a low-pressure zone behind at the ocean's surface. This zone tries to suck in more air. Cooler air rushes in to fill this low-pressure vacuum. However, due to the Earth's rotation, this rushing air doesn't just fill the hole straight down. Instead, it starts to spin, creating a swirling vortex. This is why the winds look like a coiling snake.
The ocean is filled with warm water. This warm water heats up the air above it, causing it to rise. This rising air is like a hot air balloon, filled with water vapor that it collected from the ocean. As the warm air rises, it leaves a low-pressure zone behind at the ocean's surface. This zone tries to suck in more air. Cooler air rushes in to fill this low-pressure vacuum. However, due to the Earth's rotation, this rushing air doesn't just fill the hole straight down. Instead, it starts to spin, creating a swirling vortex. This is why the winds look like a coiling snake.
Cyclone Nivar was a severe tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal in November 2020. India Meteorological Department (IMD) classified it as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS).
The most affected areas by Cyclone Nivar included Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh.
The name Nivar was given by Iran.
Tropical cyclone Nivar started due to disturbance in the inter-tropical convergence low pressure zone. This tropical depression formed over the Bay of Bengal and made landfall near Pondicherry. However, it did not immediately dissipate. It become a Deep Depression in Bay of Bengal and made a second landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast. It caused extensive damage and a few people also died.
Disaster Relief Response in India to Cyclone Nivar
Cyclones are classified into two main types: extra-tropical and tropical.
Cyclones are classified by wind speed and damage capacity:
Types of Cyclones Based on Speed and Intensity | |
---|---|
Name of Disturbance | Speed of Storm |
Low Pressure | Less than 31 Km/h |
Depression | 31-49 Km/h |
Deep Depression | 49-61 Km/h |
Cyclonic Storm | 61-88 Km/hh |
Severe Cyclonic Storm | 88-117 Km/h |
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm | 117-221 km/h |
Super Cyclone | More than 221 Km/h |
Cyclone Category Based on Damage Potential | |
---|---|
Cyclone Category Based on Damage | Speeds |
01:(Minimal Damage) | 120-150 Km/h |
02:(Moderate Damage) | 150-180 Km/h |
03:(Extensive Damage) | 180-210 Km/h |
04:(Extreme Damage) | 210-250 Km/h |
05:(Catastrophic Damage) | 250 and above Km/h |
WMO names cyclones through suggestions from countries in the region. In 2020, the latest list was released which includes 13 names for cyclones, each contributed by one of the 13 member countries, for a total of 169 names. Thenames from India include Gati, Tej, Murasu, Aag, Vyom, Jhar, Probaho, Neer, Prabhanjan, Ghurni, Ambud, Jaladhi, and Vega.
The name Nivar was given by Iran. Some of the most important criteria for naming cyclones are that the names should be politically and culturally neutral, not rude or cruel, and short and easy to pronounce. The maximum length of a cyclone name is eight letters.
Cyclone Nivar was a strong storm that caused a lot of damage. But it also reminded us that natural disasters demand both immediate response and long-term planning. The relief efforts after the cyclone showed that we need to be proactive. The quick response by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the evacuation plans showed how important it is to be coordinated and prepared. These actions not only save lives but also minimize the economic and social impact of such calamities.
Countries like Japan and Bangladesh are disaster prone but also set excellent examples for disaster prepardness through resillient infrastructure, localised disaster plans, volunteer forces, early warning of impending disaster.
It is important to understand the science behind tropical cyclones so we can develop effective strategies to deal with them. In the future, we need to learn from our experiences and invest in research, infrastructure, and community education. By combining scientific knowledge, international cooperation, and community involvement, we can work towards a future where the impact of these natural disasters is minimized, and the well-being of vulnerable communities is protected.
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