Another Cyclone Hits the Bay of Bengal – Cyclone Michaung Causes Widespread Devastation
Image Source: The Indian Express
Originating in the Bay of Bengal, the severe cyclonic storm Michaung finally reached the East Coast of India on 4th December 2023. After making landfall in the state of Tamil Nadu yesterday, it has now entered the state of Andhra Pradesh. Since then, there have been various reports of cyclone-induced rains bringing life to a standstill in Chennai and neighboring districts of Tamil Nadu. Communication networks were knocked down, roads flooded, and thousands have been forced to move to relief camps for shelter. The Chennai Airport was shut down, and it was only today that it resumed operations. In addition, rigorous search and rescue efforts are underway by National and State Disaster Relief Agencies to protect lives and minimize casualties.
Though Cyclones are not new to India, what makes an interesting issue is their occurrence in the Bay of Bengal. As the readers would know, cyclones are rapid inward air circulation around a low-pressure area with extreme humidity, accompanied by violent storms and bad weather. Therefore, the seas provide a perfect platform for such storms to breed, owing to the absence of any obstruction as well as nearly 100% humidity in the air. Michaung is the sixth cyclone to develop in the Indian Ocean this year and the fourth to form in the Bay of Bengal, which sees approximately five times as many cyclones as the Arabian Sea.
This is because the Bay of Bengal region experiences higher humidity levels, receives more rainfall, and sea surface temperatures are also relatively higher than its western counterpart. All these factors combined provide a fertile ground for cyclones to form and intensify. However, the frequency and intensity of cyclones have been increasing in the Arabian Sea in the past few years. This phenomenon is largely being attributed to global warming, which is causing a rise in sea surface temperatures and a change in the Arabian Sea’s character. Therefore, as the number of cyclones rises in the Arabian Sea, India will have to face a challenging task of tackling the threat and challenges on two fronts.
Another interesting fact about cyclones is their nomenclature. Cyclones are assigned different names in accordance with a set of regional rules. As far as the Indian Ocean is concerned, the names are given by regional countries in rotation. The reasoning behind this is to make it easier for people to understand and remember them. The name ‘Michaung’ for the ongoing cyclone was proposed by Myanmar, denoting resilience and fortitude.
As Michaung moves towards the Andhra Coast, it will be interesting to see how much longer it can sustain and how much more havoc it can create. Though the Bay of Bengal remains prone to cyclones, the increasing frequency in the Arabian Sea does ring alarm bells for the Government as well as the Indian population alike!
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Anushka Pundir is a driven student currently pursuing her Masters in Business Administration (F&A) at Amity University. Anushka embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science (Hons) from Delhi University, a testament to her diverse interests. Following her undergraduate studies, she dedicated herself to the rigorous preparation for UPSC and other government exams, showcasing her commitment to public service.
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