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Subject: Disaster Management

  • [26th December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Nagapattinam’s journey of resilience

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q) On December 2004, tsunami brought havoc on fourteen countries including India. Discuss the factors responsible for occurrence of tsunamis and its effects on life and economy. In the light of guidelines of NDMA (2010) describe the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (UPSC CSE 2017)

    Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on topics like ‘ tsunami’ in (2017) and ‘NDMA’ in (2014,2016, 2017, 2020).

    The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami was a powerful reminder of nature’s force and human vulnerability. Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, was one of the hardest-hit areas, but the disaster also sparked important changes in disaster response and preparedness. Over the past 20 years, India has made significant progress in disaster management. However, challenges like urbanization, climate change, and more frequent extreme weather events continue to create new risks. Revisiting Nagapattinam’s experience provides valuable lessons for improving future disaster strategies and building stronger, more resilient communities.

    Today’s Editorial focuses on the disaster due to the tsunami. This content can be used for presenting the mains answer while talking about disaster management In India.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The 20th anniversary of the Indian Ocean tsunami is a moment to assess progress and gaps in disaster strategies. Nagapattinam’s experience highlights the critical need for building and sustaining long-term resilience.

    What factors contributed to Nagapattinam’s journey of resilience?

    • Immediate Response and Coordination: Following the tsunami, Nagapattinam benefited from well-coordinated rescue operations led by experienced officers and supported by local volunteers, military personnel, and various government departments.
      • This swift action was crucial in managing the chaos and addressing immediate needs such as medical aid and shelter.
    • Infrastructure Restoration: The restoration of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply, and road connectivity, was prioritized.
      • Over 13,000 temporary shelters were constructed to accommodate displaced families, which played a vital role in stabilizing the community.
    • Holistic Rehabilitation Efforts: The recovery strategy incorporated Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) measures that emphasized building resilient communities.
      • This included constructing over 55,000 multi-hazard-resistant homes and establishing disaster-ready healthcare facilities and educational institutions.
    • Community Involvement: The active participation of over 400 NGOs in providing essential services fostered community ownership of recovery efforts.
      • Local communities were empowered to engage in their recovery processes, enhancing resilience through collective action.
    • Policy and Institutional Reforms: The disaster catalyzed significant reforms in India’s disaster management framework, including the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the enactment of the Disaster Management Act in 2005.
      • These reforms institutionalized disaster preparedness and response mechanisms at various levels of government.

    How can the lessons learned from this experience be applied to other vulnerable regions?

    • Emphasizing Preparedness: The importance of establishing early warning systems and enhancing community preparedness can be applied to other vulnerable regions. This includes regular training exercises and community drills to ensure readiness for future disasters.
    • Integrating DRR into Development Plans: Other regions can learn from Nagapattinam’s integration of DRR measures into urban planning and infrastructure development, ensuring that resilience is built into the fabric of communities from the outset.
    • Community Engagement: Involving local populations in recovery efforts fosters a sense of ownership and empowerment, which is crucial for long-term resilience. Engaging communities in planning and implementation can lead to more effective disaster management strategies.
    • Comprehensive Insurance Mechanisms: Expanding risk insurance beyond crops to cover housing and other assets is vital for enhancing financial resilience against disasters. This approach can help mitigate economic losses in future events.

    What are the ongoing challenges faced by Nagapattinam in its journey towards sustainable development?

    • Evolving Risks: Nagapattinam continues to face challenges from evolving risks associated with climate change, urbanization, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events. These factors necessitate ongoing innovation in disaster management strategies.
    • Sustaining Community Engagement: Maintaining active community participation in disaster preparedness initiatives remains a challenge as memories of past disasters fade. Continuous education and engagement are required to keep communities vigilant.
    • Resource Allocation: Ensuring efficient allocation of resources for ongoing recovery efforts is crucial but can be hampered by bureaucratic hurdles or misalignment with local needs. Institutional frameworks must be strengthened to facilitate better coordination between NGOs and government agencies.
    • Addressing Vulnerabilities: Disasters disproportionately affect marginalized groups, including women, children, and differently-abled individuals. Continued focus on inclusive policies that address these vulnerabilities is essential for building equitable resilience.
    What are the NDMA guidelines to prevent this type of disaster?

    • Early Warning Systems: Establishment of the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) for real-time monitoring and alerts using satellite data, sensors, and seismic readings.
    • Community Awareness: Public awareness campaigns and regular drills to educate coastal populations on tsunami risks, evacuation routes, and safety measures.
    • Preparedness Plans: Local disaster management plans with clear evacuation routes, shelters, and training for officials, responders, and volunteers.
    • Coastal Zone Management: Risk-reducing coastal planning with tsunami-resistant structures and sustainable land use practices.
    • Infrastructure Resilience: Strengthening infrastructure, including tsunami-resistant buildings and sea walls, and enhancing communication networks.
    • Collaboration with Communities: Involving local communities in disaster preparedness, with the establishment of local disaster management committees.
    • Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research into tsunami risks and hazards to improve warning systems and preparedness strategies.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Resilience through Innovation and Inclusion: Develop adaptive disaster management strategies that incorporate advanced technologies like AI-driven risk assessments and community-based DRR measures.  
    • Sustained Community Engagement and Education: Regularly conduct training, workshops, and awareness programs to keep communities prepared and involved. Leverage local knowledge and foster ownership in disaster preparedness to maintain long-term vigilance and resilience.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/nagapattinams-journey-of-resilience-lessons-for-the-future/article69026509.ece#:~:text=On%20December%2026%2C%202004%2C%20the,groundwork%20for%20more%20resilient%20societies

  • The lapses in the Disaster Management Bill

    Why in the News?

    The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024, raises serious concerns. Instead of addressing the shortcomings of the Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005, the Bill reduces opportunities for participation, accountability, and efficient governance.

    What are the lapses in the recent bill?

    • Top-Down Terminology: The Bill employs terms like “monitor” and “guidelines,” which suggest a top-down approach, rather than fostering community engagement through terms like “supervision” and “direction.”
      • This undermines trust between authorities and local communities, which are crucial in disaster response.
    • Neglect of Local Roles: While the Bill defines critical concepts such as ‘hazard’, ‘resilience’, and ‘vulnerability’, it fails to recognise the essential roles of local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
    • Lack of Intersectional Consideration: The Bill does not address intersectional discrimination affecting vulnerable groups like women, disabled individuals, lower castes, and LGBTQIA communities. Ignoring these factors limits the Bill’s inclusivity and effectiveness.
    • Absence of Accountability Mechanisms: The omission of performance evaluations for district authorities raises concerns about accountability. Without mechanisms to assess preparedness and response effectiveness, there is a risk of shifting blame onto individual philanthropic efforts during disasters.
    • Exclusion of Law and Order Issues: By stating that ‘man-made causes’ do not include law and order matters, the Bill complicates the role of police in disaster management while still involving them in executive committees.
    • Removal of Relief Standards: Key provisions regarding minimum standards of relief for disaster victims have been omitted from the Bill. This includes special provisions for vulnerable populations such as widows and orphans, which diminishes the support system for those affected by disasters.
    • Centralisation of Power: The Bill centralises decision-making by transferring responsibilities from local executive committees to national authorities, potentially leading to inefficiencies and delays in disaster response.
    • Neglect of Animal Welfare: The Bill does not address the impact of disasters on animals or include provisions for their welfare, which is a significant oversight given the scale of animal casualties during disasters.
    • Urban Disaster Management Authority (UDMA): The rationale behind establishing a separate UDMA is unclear, raising questions about its effectiveness given existing municipal structures that may not adequately address urban flooding issues caused by poor planning.

    What are the lessons learnt from a spectrum of areas?

    • Community Engagement: Successful disaster responses have historically relied on local knowledge and community action.
      • For example, in Cyclone Aila (2009, Sundarbans): Local villagers and fisherfolk initiated rescue operations well before official disaster response teams could arrive, saving countless lives.
    • Intersectionality Matters: Acknowledging diverse vulnerabilities ensures that disaster management strategies are comprehensive and equitable.
      • For example, Kerala Floods (2018): Specific interventions for women and children in relief camps improved health and hygiene outcomes, showcasing the value of targeted measures.
    • Accountability is Crucial: Clear accountability mechanisms are necessary to ensure that authorities fulfil their responsibilities effectively.
      • For example, in Uttarakhand Flash Floods (2013): Lack of timely action by district authorities and poor preparedness exacerbated the disaster’s impact, underscoring the need for performance evaluations.

    Can Regional collaboration work out?

    Regional collaboration could significantly enhance disaster management efforts, particularly in South Asia where cross-border challenges are prevalent:

    • Shared Resources and Knowledge: Collaborative frameworks among countries like SAARC, BIMSTEC, and BRICS could facilitate resource sharing and knowledge exchange during disasters.
    • Joint Preparedness Plans: Developing regional action plans based on shared vulnerabilities can strengthen collective responses to disasters.
    • Addressing Zoonotic Diseases: Given the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases, a coordinated regional approach could improve public health responses during disasters.

    What is the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction?

    • The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030) is a comprehensive international agreement aimed at reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience globally.
    • It was adopted by UN member states during the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction held in Sendai, Japan, from March 14 to 18, 2015.
    • India is a signatory to the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (2015-2030).

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Community Participation and Inclusivity: Amend the Bill to explicitly involve local communities, panchayats, and NGOs in disaster management.
    • Promote Accountability and Regional Cooperation: Introduce performance evaluations for district authorities to ensure preparedness and effective disaster responses.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Describe various measures taken in India for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) before and after signing ‘Sendai Framework for DRR (2015-2030)’. How is this framework different from ‘Hyogo Framework for Action, 2005’? (UPSC IAS/2018)

  • Cyclone Fengal

    Why in the News?

    • A depression over the Southwest Bay of Bengal has intensified into a deep depression and is likely to further intensify into Cyclone Fengal.
      • The system is currently close to an area with higher sea surface temperatures (SST), contributing to its potential intensification into a cyclonic storm.

    Origin of the Name ‘Fengal’

    • The name ‘Fengal’ was proposed by Saudi Arabia and is rooted in Arabic.
    • It reflects a combination of linguistic tradition and cultural identity.

    Cyclone Naming Process:

    • Cyclones in the North Indian Ocean are named by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) panel.
    • This panel includes 13 member countries, such as India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, among others.
      • Each member country submits a list of potential cyclone names, and these names are used sequentially as cyclones form in the region.
      • This system, in place since 2004, ensures easy identification and effective communication of storms to the public.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] In the South Atlantic and South Eastern Pacific regions in tropical latitudes, cyclone does not originate. What is the main reason behind this?

    (a) Sea Surface temperature are low

    (b) Inter Tropical Convergence Zone seldom occurs

    (c) Coriolis force is too weak

    (d) Absence of land in those regions

  • TN declares Heatwaves a State-specific Disaster

    Why in the News?

    • The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster.
      • It announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for families of individuals who die from heat-related causes, including those involved in relief operations.

    Key Details of the Declaration

    • Purpose: This declaration allows the government to provide immediate relief to those affected by extreme heat, especially during the severe temperatures of April and May 2024.
    • Funding: Relief efforts will be supported by the State Disaster Response Fund.
    • Other State-specific disasters in TN: Sea erosion, lightning, thunder, whirlwinds, and gale winds as State-specific disasters to ensure relief assistance for those impacted by these events.

    Note: 

    • Kerala in March this year, declared man-animal conflict as a state-specific disaster, becoming the first state in the country to do so.
    • Once an issue is declared a state-specific disaster, the onus to deal with it shifts to the state disaster management authority, which, powered by the Disaster Management Act, can take quicker and more decisive action.
    • Also, district collectors can directly intervene in their capacity as the chairman of the district disaster body.

     

    heatwave

    About Heatwaves:

    Details
    Definition A heatwave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather, relative to the usual climate of a region.
    Occurrence Typically occurs in India between March and June.
    Declaration by IMD
    • Plains: The maximum temperature is at least 45°C
    • Hills: The maximum temperature is at least 30°C
    • Coastal regions: The maximum temperature is at least 37°C and the departure from normal is at least 4.5°C
    Formation • High-Pressure Systems: Develop when high pressure settles over a region for days or weeks.
    • Air Sinking: Forces air to sink, warming and drying it.
    • Increased Radiation: Fewer clouds lead to higher surface temperatures.
    • Surface Winds: Warm air from lower latitudes or continental winds intensify heat.
    Criteria for Declaring a Heatwave At least two stations in a meteorological subdivision must meet one of the following criteria for two consecutive days (declared on the second day):
    Based on Departure from Normal:
    – Heat Wave: Temperature departure of 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal.
    – Severe Heat Wave: Temperature departure of >6.4°C above normal.
    Based on Actual Maximum Temperature (plains only):
    – Heat Wave: Maximum temperature reaches 45°C or higher.
    – Severe Heat Wave: Maximum temperature reaches 47°C or higher.
    Duration Typically lasts a minimum of four days but can extend to seven or ten days.
    Longest Recorded Spell: May 2015, lasting from 18 to 31 May.
    Impact of Heatwaves • Heat Strokes: Increased risk, especially for the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
    • Increased Healthcare Costs: Higher hospital visits and death rates from related illnesses.
    • Reduced Productivity: Extreme heat affects the output of over 1 billion workers.
    • Risk of Wildfires: Heat domes can lead to wildfires.
    • Effect on Vegetation: Prolonged heat damages crops and leads to droughts.
    • Increased Energy Demands: Higher electricity usage for cooling, driving up rates.

     

    PYQ:

    [2013] Bring out the causes for the formation of heat islands in the urban habitat of the world.

    [2013] The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is / are the reason / reasons?

    1. Thermal difference between land and water

    2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans

    3. Presence of strong winds in the interior

    4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 1 and 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

  • Hurricane Milton

    Why in the News?

    Hurricane Milton made landfall near Siesta Key, Florida, USA which caused heavy rain, flooding and strong winds resulting in significant damage and loss of lives.

    Hurricane Milton: Origin and Causes

    • Hurricane Milton was a powerful storm that made landfall in Florida near Siesta Key, causing widespread damage.
    • It was a Category 5 hurricane with wind speeds of 285 km/h, making it one of the strongest hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic Ocean.
    • It originated in the Gulf of Mexico, an area connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

    Why it was an unusual storm?

    • Milton went from a Category 1 storm to a Category 5 storm in just 12 hours.
      • Usually, hurricanes intensify at a slower pace, but Milton’s wind speeds increased by 145 km/h in one day, which is very rare.
    • Sea-surface temperatures of 31°C were much higher than the 26°C needed for hurricane formation.
      • This excess heat allowed Milton to intensify quickly.
    • Most hurricanes follow a westward path, but Milton moved eastward and made landfall on the western coast of Florida.
      • According to scientists, very few hurricanes have taken this path before.
    • Wind shear is a change in wind speed and direction that can weaken hurricanes.
      • In Milton’s case, there was almost no wind shear, allowing the storm to grow stronger without interference.

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • [5th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Kerala urgently needs to identify risk zones

    PYQ Relevance:

    Q). Discuss about the vulnerability of India to earthquake-related hazards. Give examples including the salient features of major disasters caused by earthquakes in different parts of India during the last three decades. (UPSC CSE 2021)
    Q). Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy. (UPSC CSE 2021)
    Q). Discuss the recent measures initiated in disaster management by the Government of India departing from the earlier reactive approach. (UPSC CSE 2020)
    Q). Disaster preparedness is the first step in any disaster management process. Explain how hazard zonation mapping will help disaster mitigation in the case of landslides. (UPSC CSE 2019)

    Prelims:

    The 2004 Tsunami made people realize that mangroves can serve as a reliable safety hedge against coastal calamities. How do mangroves function as a safety hedge? (UPSC CSE 2011)
    a) The mangrove swamps separate the human settlements from the sea by a wide zone in which people neither live nor venture out
    b) The mangroves provide both food and medicines which people are in need of after any natural disaster
    c) The mangrove trees are tall with dense canopies and serve as an excellent shelter during a cyclone or tsunami
    d) The mangrove trees do not get uprooted by storms and tides because of their extensive roots.

    Mentor’s Comment:  Today’s editorial discusses the limitations in our present governance and management concerning Natural Disasters. The recent landslide event in Kerala is considered one of the deadliest landslides in India’s history, raising urgent concerns about the effectiveness of disaster management strategies in the region, which has a history of similar incidents over the past four decades. Previously, we saw the limitations based on the Disaster Management Act. Now, this article will help you to build a better consensus around the same theme.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    On July 30, 2024, the Wayanad district in Kerala experienced devastating landslides that resulted in significant loss of life and property.

    • The Chief Minister (Kerala) emphasized the need for a reevaluation of disaster preparedness and response approaches, highlighting the helplessness against natural calamities across the state.

    Kerala is no longer relatively disaster-free:

    • The state of Kerala which is bordered by the Arabian Sea and Western Ghats, was once viewed as disaster-free, which influenced its development patterns.
    • The frequency and intensity of disasters have surged in recent decades. Over 250 km of Kerala’s coastline is affected by erosion.
      • Further, the high population density in the Western Ghats exceeded its vulnerability to disasters.
      • Lowlands like Vembanad Lake, frequently experience flooding during monsoons.
    • The 2018 floods were labeled the “floods of the century” by the World Meteorological Organization.
    • Infrastructure development has often ignored natural drainage and slope stability, leading to increased disaster risks.

    Why a Comprehensive inventory mapping is needed?

    • Physical Geography of the Region: Tectonic activity generally correlates with landslide occurrences.
      • For example, the Wayanad region is characterized by deep gorges and ravines, which is prone to landslides.
    • Climate Change Impact: Rapid warming of the Arabian Sea increases risks of extreme weather events like floods and cyclones. For example, the Cyclone Ockhi in 2017.
    • Research Gaps: Current understanding of landslide causative factors is limited; a nuanced approach is necessary for effective disaster mitigation.
    • Monitoring Mechanisms: Establishing monitoring systems for rainfall and tremors can provide timely warnings to prevent loss of life.
    • Shrinking Safe Space: The “safe operating space” for communities in Kerala is diminishing due to increasing natural disasters.

    Need for a Paradigm Shift (Way Forward):

    • Need to work on Disaster Risk Zones: Develop disaster risk zones based on physical and social criteria within a social-ecological framework, aligned with watershed boundaries.
      • Strengthening the disaster risk governance and invest them in risk reduction to enhance resilience and preparedness would be helpful.
    • Comprehensive Approach: Emphasize all aspects of the disaster cycle: preparedness, resilience, risk reduction, mitigation, reconstruction, recovery, response, and relief.
      • The Sendai’s global framework highlights the State’s primary role in disaster risk reduction while advocating for shared responsibility with local governments, private sectors, and communities.
    • Quadruple Helix Model: Utilize a collaborative model involving community organizations, academia, government, and industry for effective disaster risk management.
      • Engage communities in creating disaster risk maps through a community-based disaster risk management approach.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/once-landslide-susceptibility-maps-surrounding-population-centres-are-ready-monitoring-the-triggering-mechanism-would-ensure-that-timely-warnings-are-provided/article68717843.ece

  • Massive Greenland Landslide

    Why in the News?

    • In September 2023, seismic stations across the world detected an unusual signal which persisted for 9 days.
      • It was caused by a massive landslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord (i.e narrow sea inlet with steep sides or cliffs, created by a glacier).

    About the Massive Greenland Landslide

    • The landslide involved a colossal volume of 25 million cubic metres of rock and ice, equivalent to filling 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
    • The landslide involved 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice, which is enough to fill 10,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
    • This event caused a mega-tsunami with waves as high as 200 meters, which significantly impacted the area.
    • The seismic waves created by the landslide lasted for 9 consecutive days.
    • The loss of such a large amount of glacier ice highlights how global warming is speeding up damage to these fragile environments.

    Causes of the Greenland Landslide

    • The main reason for the landslide was global warming, which caused the glaciers in Greenland to melt and shrink over recent decades.
      • The Hvide Stovhorn peak glacier had been holding up the mountain slopes, but as it thinned, the rock above it became unstable and eventually collapsed.
    • The permafrost (frozen ground) on the mountain’s steep slopes started melting because of rising temperatures, making the slopes unstable.
    • When the rocks and ice fell into the fjord, it triggered a submarine landslide (a landslide under water), which made the event even bigger and caused a mega-tsunami.

    Back2Basics: Seismic Waves

    Type  Sub-Type Wave Characteristics Speed Medium of Travel Movement Impact
    Body Waves P-Waves (Primary Waves) • Longitudinal/compressional waves.
    • Fastest seismic waves.    		 Fastest (First to arrive) Solids and liquids Particles move back and forth in the direction of wave travel. First waves to be detected during an earthquake, cause less damage.
    S-Waves (Secondary Waves) • Transverse/shear waves.
    • Slower than P-waves.    		 Slower than P-Waves Solids only Particles move perpendicular to the wave’s direction. Follow P-waves, more ground shaking, cause more damage than P-waves.
    Surface Waves Love Waves • Transverse horizontal motion.
    • Faster than Rayleigh waves.    		 Slower than S-Waves Earth’s surface Particles move side to side, horizontally. Cause significant structural damage.
    Rayleigh Waves • Rolling motion.
    • Slowest seismic waves.    		 Slowest of all seismic waves Earth’s surface Particles move in an elliptical motion (both vertical and horizontal). Cause vertical and horizontal ground movement, highly destructive.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] Describe the various causes and the effects of landslides. Mention the important components of the National Landslide Risk Management Strategy.

  • Typhoon Yagi

    Why in the News?

    India has launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance to Southeast Asian countries affected by Typhoon Yagi, including Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar.

    Typhoon Yagi: Origin and Impact 

    • Typhoon Yagi began as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea on September 1, 2024.
      • Yagi, which means goat or the constellation of Capricornus in Japanese.
    • It made landfall in the Philippines but intensified again due to warm waters in the South China Sea, reaching Category 3 winds by September 4.
    • Yagi further strengthened to a Category 5 typhoon with peak winds of 260 kmph, making it one of only four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea.
    • Although downgraded to a tropical depression, it continued to bring heavy rains and floods to Myanmar and other areas.

    What are Typhoons?

    • A Typhoon is a type of tropical cyclone that forms in the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean, particularly affecting East Asia, Southeast Asia, and parts of Oceania.
    • They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rain, and can cause severe flooding, storm surges, and damage to infrastructure.

    Key Features of Typhoons:

    • Formation Region: Typhoons form in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, primarily between 100°E and 180°E.
    • Wind Speed: To be classified as a typhoon, sustained winds must exceed 119 km/h.
    • Structure: Like hurricanes, typhoons have a central eye (calm area) surrounded by a violent eyewall where the strongest winds and heaviest rains occur.
    • Season: Typhoons typically occur from May to October, with a peak from August to September.

    Global Terminology:

    • Typhoon: Northwest Pacific Ocean.
    • Hurricane: North Atlantic, Central and Eastern North Pacific Oceans.
    • Cyclone: South Pacific and Indian Ocean.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following statements:

    1. Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.

    2. Only some cyclones develop an eye.

    3. The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10ºC lesser than that of the surroundings.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 2 only

    (d) 1 and 3 only

  • Union Cabinet approves ‘Mission Mausam’

    Why in the News?

    The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years.

    About Mission Mausam

    • Mission Mausam focuses on strengthening R&D in weather surveillance, forecasting, and atmospheric sciences.
    • The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will be the nodal body responsible for implementing the mission.
    • It aims to set a new benchmark for high-precision weather forecasting and management.
    • Three institutes under the MoES will lead the implementation of Mission Mausam:
    1. India Meteorological Department (IMD)
    2. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
    3. National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF)

    Critical Components of the Mission: 

    • Next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors.
    • Deployment of high-performance supercomputers to enhance computational capabilities.
    • Development of improved earth system AI models and a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data dissemination.

    Benefits and Applications

    • Mission Mausam is expected to benefit key sectors, including:
      • Agriculture, through improved weather prediction for farming activities.
      • Disaster management, with better preparedness for natural calamities.
      • Defence, aviation, and shipping, through enhanced forecasting for operational safety.
      • Energy, water resources, power, and tourism sectors.
    • The mission will also enhance data-driven decision-making for urban planning, transport, offshore operations, and environmental monitoring.

    PYQ:

    [2022] Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department.

  • On uncommon cyclones in the Arabian Sea

    Why in the News?

    A rare August cyclone, named ‘Asna’, currently positioned off the Kutch coast is even more remarkable for having originated over land.

    Why was there a lot of excitement over Asna?

    • “Asna” is notable because it’s the first cyclone in August in the North Indian Ocean since 1981. August is typically not part of the cyclone season in this region.
    • The cyclone began as a land-born depression that intensified as it moved over the warm waters of the Arabian Sea. It formed from a rare strong low-pressure system that grew unusually powerful over land.
    • Asna’s formation is linked to the broader context of rapid warming over the Arabian Sea, influenced by climate change. The northward shift of the low-level jet stream due to warming over West Asia contributed to its development.

    Why does the North Indian Ocean have two cyclone seasons?

    The North Indian Ocean has two distinct cyclone seasons due to the unique monsoonal circulation patterns in the region:

    • Pre-monsoon season (March-May): The Arabian Sea warms rapidly during this time as the sun crosses over to the Northern Hemisphere. The Bay of Bengal is relatively warmer and begins producing atmospheric convection and rainfall. This leads to cyclogenesis in both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
    • Post-monsoon season (October-December): This is the northeast monsoon season for India. The Arabian Sea cools due to the strong southwesterly winds and mixing of cold subsurface waters. However, the Bay of Bengal remains favourable for cyclogenesis. The post-monsoon season is the major cyclone season in the North Indian Ocean

    How is climate change affecting the region?

    • Warming of the Indian Ocean: Climate change is amplifying the warming of the Indian Ocean, with more heat being transferred from the Pacific Ocean and Southern Ocean. This increases the overall sea surface temperature (SST), crucial for cyclone formation.
    • Monsoon and cyclones: The warming affects the monsoon patterns and has the potential to change cyclone intensity. More heat and moisture from the warming seas lead to more energy available for cyclones.
    • Impact on global ocean circulation: The warming of the Indian Ocean is also affecting global ocean currents, impacting heat uptake by the Pacific Ocean and water sinking in the North Atlantic. The Indian Ocean is playing a central role in global climate change processes.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthening Early Warning Systems: Enhance real-time monitoring and forecasting of cyclones, particularly in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons, using satellite data and advanced models.
    • Building Climate Resilience: Implement climate adaptation strategies, especially for coastal communities, by improving infrastructure and disaster preparedness to cope with increasing cyclone intensity due to climate change.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by India Meteorological Department. (UPSC IAS/2022)