Understanding Cyclone Remal: Impact and Response

Cyclone Remal: A Recent Natural Disaster

Cyclone Remal made landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Khepupara in Bangladesh around 9:15 p.m. on a recent Sunday. The cyclone intensified rapidly, resulting in heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant disruptions to transportation and essential services.

Causes of Cyclone Formation

Cyclones typically form due to low-pressure systems over warm ocean waters. Remal developed in the Bay of Bengal and proceeded northwards, making landfall along the coastline of West Bengal and Bangladesh. This region is particularly vulnerable to cyclones, especially during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon periods.

Management and Response Efforts

In response to the cyclone, several management strategies were implemented:

• Evacuation: Over one lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, including South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur.
• Transportation Disruptions: Eastern and Southeastern Railways cancelled numerous trains. Ferry services in Kolkata and the Sundarbans were halted. Additionally, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport suspended flight operations for 21 hours.
• Emergency Meetings: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the response and preparedness measures. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged residents to stay indoors. Governor C.V. Ananda Bose convened an emergency meeting focused on cyclone preparedness.
• Red Alert Issued: The India Meteorological Department issued a red alert, warning of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds.
• Response Teams: Fourteen teams from the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force were deployed. The Navy also prepared two ships for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Precautions and Remedies

To ensure safety during cyclones, it is crucial to follow specific precautions:

• Stay Indoors: Adhere to government advisories and remain indoors during the cyclone.
• Evacuation: Cooperate with authorities following evacuation orders.
• Secure Property: Secure loose items and reinforce structures to withstand strong winds.
• Emergency Supplies: Prepare emergency kits that include water, food, medications, and important documents.
• Stay Informed: Regularly check updates from the India Meteorological Department and local authorities.
• Fishermen Advisory: Fishermen should refrain from venturing into the sea until an all-clear is issued.
• Post-Cyclone Safety: Avoid downed power lines and flooded areas. Wait for official clearance before returning to evacuated zones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What were the impacts of Cyclone Remal?
Answer: Cyclone Remal caused heavy rainfall, strong winds, and significant disruptions in transportation and essential services across West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Q2. How many people were evacuated due to Cyclone Remal?
Answer: Over one lakh people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, and Purba Medinipur to ensure their safety.

Q3. What precautions should be taken during a cyclone?
Answer: It is essential to stay indoors, secure property, prepare emergency supplies, and stay informed through official updates during a cyclone.

Q4. What is a red alert in the context of cyclones?
Answer: A red alert indicates heavy to extremely heavy rainfall and gale-force winds. It is issued by the India Meteorological Department to warn communities of impending danger.

Q5. How does the government respond to cyclones?
Answer: The government activates emergency response teams, issues evacuation orders, and provides resources for disaster management and humanitarian assistance.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What causes cyclones to form?
A) Low-pressure areas over warm ocean waters
B) High-pressure zones over land
C) Cold air masses colliding
D) Earthquake activity
Correct Answer: A

Question 2: How many teams were deployed for cyclone response during Cyclone Remal?
A) Ten teams
B) Twelve teams
C) Fourteen teams
D) Six teams
Correct Answer: C

Question 3: Which department issued the red alert for Cyclone Remal?
A) Ministry of Defence
B) India Meteorological Department
C) Ministry of Home Affairs
D) National Disaster Management Authority
Correct Answer: B

Question 4: What is the primary advisory for fishermen during cyclones?
A) Continue fishing
B) Avoid venturing into the sea
C) Secure boats in the harbor
D) Use larger vessels
Correct Answer: B

Question 5: Who reviewed the response to Cyclone Remal?
A) Chief Minister of West Bengal
B) Governor of West Bengal
C) Prime Minister of India
D) Union Home Minister
Correct Answer: C