Cyclonic Storms: Preparedness Phases and Medium Term Measures

Cyclonic Storms: Preparedness Phases and Medium Term Measures

Question: Cyclonic storm Ashobaa is the latest to hit the Arabian Sea Coast and it is expected to further develop into a super cyclonic storm. Discuss the preparedness phases and medium term preparedness measures for coping with such disasters.

About Ashobaa

• The deep depression on the Arabian Sea coast has developed into cyclonic storm Ashobaa

• It is centred at 590 km west—southwest of Mumbai, 470 km southwest of Veraval and 960 km east-southeast of Masirah Island (Oman)

A. Preparedness Phases

• Identification of vulnerable areas through simulation techniques

• Identification of local resources for coping with the disaster

• Definition of catchment areas for each shelter

• Formation of medical teams and provision of list of shelters entrusted to each

• Estimation of resource requirements and list of shortfalls

• Backup for restoration of power and communication links

• Department to identify vulnerable areas such as possible breach locations for roads and tanks and attending to them prior to the alert phase

• Prioritisation of affected areas associated with forecasted degree of vulnerability

• Moving action to likely effected areas for evacuation

• Providing medical and civil supplies as well as spare stocks

• Information systems for reporting damages, responding to requests for assistance

• Restoration of essential services such as power, water supply and major rail and road networks

B. Medium Term Preparedness

• This includes contingency planning, structural and non structural preparedness in the following sequence:

• Pre Cyclone Period should be made use of by local authorities for developing accurate advance warning capabilities

• Urban local bodies should remove hoardings and deploy adequate boats in areas prone to flooding as a result of cyclonic storm

• Access roads to shelters should be well maintained and upgraded prior to the onset of the storm

• Early warning systems need to be widely spread

• Latitude and longitude details of cyclone shelters should be shared with the affected persons

• Rail and road lines need to be secured and technology solutions to provide last mile connectivity should be popularised

• Wildlife sanctuaries and parks should be guarded at the time of the cyclone

Facts and Stats

• There has been an increase in frequency of cyclonic storms from April to May

• In the past decade, 3 cyclones have developed over Bay of Bengal in the month of April

• Some of the major cyclones to affect India include Mala, Nargis, Bijli, Bandu, Gonu, Phet and Nanauk

• Gonu was the strongest cyclone in the Arabian Sea

• HudHud has the last strong cyclone to impact India in recent times