Cyclone Amphan

Cyclone Amphan which was a  super cyclonic storm developed in a low pressure area about 300 kilometres east of Colombo, Sri Lanka . Within four days of its formation it intensified into an extreme severe cyclonic storm. As the  cyclone neared the eastern coastline of India it weakened gradually  because of the continuous  effects of wind break off and dry air from the mainland. On 20th May morning the cyclone made its landfall near Sunderbans in West Bengal with high speed winds.

The coastal areas of Odisha and Kolkata , Hooghly, Madnipur, 24 Parganas and Howrah in West Bengal were severely affected by this cyclone. Bangladesh too faced massive destruction due to the cyclone.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

The name "Amphan" means sky, it was given by Thailand. It was a very deadly and powerful tropical cyclonic storm which caused a huge damage in Eastern India and parts  of Bangladesh in the month of May. It is one of the toughest cyclones that the Ganges Delta has experienced and it is also the first super cyclone to have occurred since 1999. It has proven to be one of the costliest cyclones to have hit the Indian Ocean .

The Category 5 cyclone has caused a widespread havoc in much of West Bengal and Odisha and also caused a damage accounting to billions of dollars. The damage had been decreased to some extent due to precautions taken by the central and state governments.Some of the preparations taken were-

People from villages in low lying areas were evacuated both in India and Bangladesh.

Fishing was prohibited in the susceptible waters of Bay of Bengal

The Indian coast guards directed all fishing boats towards the harbour

Ferry services were suspended 

Helplines for emergency were created

Railways services were halted in West Bengal and Odisha

Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata was closed until next day.

Backup systems for electricity and telecommunications were  positioned .

Teams of National Disaster Response Forces were deployed.

Ships of the Indian Navy were placed on standby to carry out relief operations.

The damage by the cyclone affected 60-70% of the population of West Bengal. Many citizens suffered without any electricity and water for more than 24 hours. Hundreds of trees were uprooted by the high speed winds of the cyclone.More than 80 people lost their lives , many of the houses suffered external and internal damages.

The  cyclone added to more losses when the country is already facing crisis due to Corona Virus and practicing lockdown.

 These natural calamities gives the country a reminder of lack in technological and economic development so we need to focus more for disaster management.

But it is our belief that India will battle the coming problems in a much better manner.

The experiences in the past will provoke India's future profitably.

Source: buisnesstoday.com

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By Rupak Ghosh