Cyclone Montha: A Case Study in India's Disaster Preparedness and Response
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Geography (Mechanism of Indian Monsoon - Northeast Monsoon, Tropical Cyclones); Disaster Management (Key Institutions - IMD, NDRF, NCMC, ICG; Early Warning Systems - Red/Orange Alerts).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (Geography): "Important Geophysical phenomena such as cyclones, floods."
General Studies Paper 3 (Disaster Management): "Disaster and disaster management" (This is a classic example of the preparedness and mitigation phase of the disaster management cycle).
General Studies Paper 3 (Security): "Role of various Security forces and agencies and their mandate" (Role of ICG, NDRF, Army, Navy).
Key Highlights from the News
The low-pressure area (depression) formed in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Montha. (This name was suggested by Thailand).
The cyclone is likely to make landfall near Kakinada, on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
This is happening as part of the Northeast Monsoon.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert for the northern coasts of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Tiruvallur) and a Red Alert for the coastal areas of Andhra Pradesh.
The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), chaired by the Cabinet Secretary, met to review disaster preparedness.
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams have been deployed, and the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has warned fishermen.
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