Cyclone Arnab LIVE: New Bay system likely to head for Andhra coast; 300 villages marooned in Ganjam
Arnab’s remnant brings rain to West Bengal, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh after weakening into a depression
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Context
A 'very severe' cyclonic storm, named Cyclone Arnab, has made landfall on the east coast of India, causing extensive rainfall, flooding, and agricultural damage across several states, primarily Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The aftermath involves a large-scale rescue and relief operation coordinated by agencies like the and . Concurrently, the is tracking a new low-pressure area over the Andaman Sea, which is projected to develop into a depression and potentially threaten the Andhra Pradesh coast again, highlighting the vulnerability of the region to consecutive extreme weather events.
UPSC Perspectives
Geographical
The formation and trajectory of tropical cyclones like Cyclone Arnab are fundamental topics in UPSC Physical Geography. Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal are generally more frequent and intense than those in the Arabian Sea due to higher sea surface temperatures (SSTs) and a steady supply of moisture. The article highlights the classic cyclone progression: starting as a low-pressure area, intensifying into a depression, and finally a cyclonic storm before making landfall. The rapid development of a new system in the Andaman Sea right after Arnab demonstrates the active atmospheric conditions typical of the post-monsoon season (October-December) in the Bay of Bengal, which is historically the primary season for severe cyclones affecting the eastern coast. Understanding the conditions necessary for cyclone formation—such as a warm sea surface (above 26.5°C), Coriolis force, and low vertical wind shear—is crucial for Preliminary examinations.
Disaster Management
This event provides a practical case study of India's disaster management framework, central to GS Paper 3. The response involves coordinated actions across multiple tiers of government. At the central level, the coordinates relief, while specialized forces like the are deployed for immediate rescue operations, as seen in Ganjam, Odisha. State-level forces, such as the , work in tandem. The article also illustrates the critical role of the in providing early warnings, enabling preemptive actions like the diversion of trains and planned evacuations. A critical aspect of disaster management is damage assessment, which involves evaluating the impact on infrastructure (washed-away highways, inundated railway bridges) and agriculture (damaged paddy and banana crops), essential for determining the allocation of funds from the . Aspirants must understand the transition from reactive relief to proactive disaster risk reduction strategies, emphasizing resilient infrastructure and community preparedness.
Economic
The economic fallout of extreme weather events is a significant concern for developing nations. The article details substantial agricultural damage in Andhra Pradesh (paddy, banana, and coconut plantations, and aqua ponds) and Odisha. This highlights the vulnerability of the primary sector to climate change and extreme weather. Such widespread crop loss can disrupt local supply chains, leading to short-term inflationary pressures on essential food items. Furthermore, the disruption of critical infrastructure, such as the cancellation of major train routes (Howrah-Chennai line) and damage to national highways, hinders economic activity and trade. The government's response will involve providing compensation to affected farmers, likely drawing upon schemes like the (PMFBY), although assessing the extent of damage accurately and ensuring timely disbursement remains a significant governance challenge. The economic cost of rehabilitation and rebuilding infrastructure places a strain on state and central budgets, underscoring the need for incorporating climate risk into economic planning.