The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies cyclones based on their wind speeds. Understanding these categories is crucial for disaster preparedness and management. Here are the classifications:
Cyclone Fengal, characterized by wind speeds of 75-95 kmph, was classified as a low-intensity storm. In contrast, past cyclones like the Odisha super cyclone in 1999, which reached wind speeds of 260 kmph, and Cyclone Amphan in 2020, with 185 kmph, were significantly more intense.
The aftermath of Cyclone Fengal was marked by severe flooding in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Notably, villages such as Mailam experienced an astonishing 510 mm of rainfall within 24 hours, while Puducherry recorded 490 mm, setting new rainfall records. Additionally, transportation systems, including roads and railways, faced considerable disruptions due to the flooding.
Despite its lower intensity, Cyclone Fengal caused considerable damage for several reasons:
In comparison to other recent cyclones, such as Dana in October 2024, which exhibited higher intensity but resulted in fewer casualties, Cyclone Fengal's slow movement and extended periods of rainfall led to greater casualties and extensive destruction. This highlights the importance of both intensity and movement in assessing cyclone impacts.
Q1. What are the different categories of cyclones according to the IMD?
Answer: The IMD classifies cyclones into categories based on wind speeds, ranging from Low Pressure (< 31 kmph) to Super Cyclone (> 222 kmph).
Q2. How does Cyclone Fengal compare to past cyclones?
Answer: Cyclone Fengal was a low-intensity storm with wind speeds of 75-95 kmph, significantly lower than intense past cyclones like the Odisha super cyclone (260 kmph).
Q3. What were the main impacts of Cyclone Fengal?
Answer: Cyclone Fengal caused severe flooding in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, with record rainfall disrupting transportation systems and leading to extensive damage.
Q4. Why was Cyclone Fengal so destructive despite its low intensity?
Answer: Fengal's slow movement and prolonged rainfall, remaining stationary near Puducherry for hours, led to significant destruction despite its lower wind speeds.
Q5. How does the impact of Cyclone Fengal compare with other recent cyclones?
Answer: Unlike recent cyclones like Dana, which had higher intensity but fewer casualties, Fengal's slow movement resulted in higher casualties and extensive damage.
Question 1: What is the lowest wind speed category for cyclones according to IMD?
A) Low Pressure
B) Depression
C) Cyclonic Storm
D) Super Cyclone
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: Which cyclone had the highest wind speed recorded in India?
A) Cyclone Amphan
B) Cyclone Fengal
C) Odisha Super Cyclone
D) Cyclone Phailin
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What was a significant impact of Cyclone Fengal in Tamil Nadu?
A) Landslides
B) Severe flooding
C) Earthquake
D) Tsunami
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How did Cyclone Fengal's speed affect its rainfall impact?
A) Faster speeds caused more damage
B) Slow speed led to prolonged rainfall
C) Speed had no effect
D) Higher speed reduced flooding
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: How does the intensity of Cyclone Fengal compare to Cyclone Amphan?
A) Fengal was more intense
B) Both were equally intense
C) Amphan was more intense
D) Intensity is unrelated to impact
Correct Answer: C
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