Cyclone Montha: A Case Study in India's Disaster Preparedness and Response Framework
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Geography (Mechanism of Tropical Cyclones, Bay of Bengal cyclones, Northeast Monsoon); Disaster Management (Key Institutions - IMD, NDRF, SDRF, NCMC; Early Warning Systems - Red/Orange Alerts); Governance (Role of State Government, e-governance in 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 case study 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).
General Studies Paper 2 (Governance): "Role of State Government in disaster management"; "Important aspects of e-governance" (use of SMS, IVRS for alerts).
Key Highlights from the News
The deep depression that formed in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into Cyclone Montha.
It is expected to make landfall near Kakinada on the Andhra Pradesh coast.
The maximum wind speed at the time of landfall could be 90-100 kmph (sometimes 110 kmph).
IMD (India Meteorological Department) has issued Red Alert and Orange Alert in several districts of Andhra Pradesh.
The state administrative machinery, led by the Chief Minister, is on high alert. Instructions have been given to ensure the uninterrupted supply of electricity, telecom, and drinking water.
Teams from NDRF (National Disaster Response Force) and SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) have been deployed in coastal districts.
The Chief Minister has also instructed to provide real-time data and issue warnings (SMS, WhatsApp, IVRS) to the public.
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