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Why low-intensity Cyclone Fengal caused large-scale destruction

  • December 7, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Why low-intensity Cyclone Fengal caused large-scale destruction

Sub : Geo

Sec : Climatology

Context:

  • Cyclone Fengal caused widespread destruction despite being a low-intensity storm.

Comparison with Past Cyclones:

  • Fengal was categorised as a cyclonic storm with wind speeds of 75-95 kmph.
  • Odisha Super Cyclone (1999): 260 kmph
  • Cyclone Phailin (2013): 215 kmph
  • Cyclone Amphan (2020): 185 kmph
  • While these storms caused extensive damage due to their high wind speeds, Cyclone Fengal caused significant destruction despite being relatively weaker.

Impact of Cyclone Fengal:

  • Casualties: 12 deaths (mostly in Tamil Nadu).
  • Rainfall Records:
    • Mailam village (Villupuram): 510 mm in 24 hours.
    • Puducherry: 490 mm in one day, surpassing the 2004 record of 211 mm.
  • Flooding and Inundation:
    • Highways submerged, disrupting air, rail, and road transport.
    • Overflowing rivers and lakes caused widespread damage to property and crops.

Reasons for High Destruction:

  1. Slow Movement of Fengal:
    • Cyclone Fengal moved at speeds as low as 6 kmph and became stationary for 12 hours after landfall.
    • This prolonged its impact over affected regions, leading to excessive rainfall and flooding.
  2. Prolonged Rainfall:
    • Continuous heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems and caused waterlogging in urban and rural areas.
  3. Persistence After Landfall:
    • Unlike typical cyclones that weaken after hitting land, Fengal retained its strength, amplifying the damage.
  4. Precedents in Recent Cyclones:
    • In comparison, more intense cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Dana in October 2023) resulted in minimal casualties due to faster movement and better preparedness.

Key Takeaways:

  • Cyclone intensity is not the sole determinant of its destructive potential; movement, duration, and rainfall also play crucial roles.
  • Slow-moving cyclones, like Fengal, pose unique challenges by causing prolonged impact, particularly through flooding and infrastructure damage.
  • Enhanced planning for slow-moving storms, including improved drainage systems and evacuation strategies, is essential to mitigate future risks.

Cyclone Categories by IMD:

  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies cyclones based on wind speed:
  • Low pressure: < 31 kmph
  • Depression: 31-49 kmph
  • Deep depression: 50-61 kmph
  • Cyclonic storm: 62-88 kmph
  • Severe cyclonic storm: 89-117 kmph
  • Very severe cyclonic storm: 118-221 kmph
  • Super cyclone: > 222 kmph

Source: IE

Geography Why low-intensity Cyclone Fengal caused large-scale destruction

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