Cyclone Preparedness and the Northeast Monsoon: A Case Study in Disaster Management
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Geography (Mechanism of Indian Monsoon - Northeast Monsoon, Tropical Cyclones, Bay of Bengal cyclones, IMD alerts); Disaster Management (Role of agencies - ICG, IMD).
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 preparedness and mitigation for a cyclone).
Key Highlights from the News
Low-pressure area formed in the Bay of Bengal is likely to intensify into a cyclone.
It is predicted to become Cyclone Montha by Monday. Thailand suggested this name.
This phenomenon is occurring as part of the currently active Northeast Monsoon.
Heavy rain is expected in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Tiruvallur) and coastal Andhra.
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued an Orange Alert (very heavy rainfall) for some districts.
As a precautionary measure, the Indian Coast Guard moved fishermen to safe harbors and warned oil rigs.
To avoid urban flooding in Chennai, water levels in the Poondi reservoir are being regulated by preemptively releasing water.
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