What is the 'landfall' of a cyclone?

  • Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone coming onto land after being over water.
  • As per the IMD, a tropical cyclone is said to have made a landfall when the center of the storm – or its eye – moves over the coast.
    • The "eye" of a cyclone is a region of relatively calm weather found at the center of the storm.
    • It is a circular or oval-shaped area characterized by light winds, clear or partly cloudy skies, and decreased precipitation.
    • The size of the eye can vary significantly, ranging from a few kilometers to over 50 kilometers (30 miles) in diameter in larger cyclones.
  • During landfall, the outer bands of the storm may have already reached the coast, bringing strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge.
  • Landfall marks the moment when the cyclone officially reaches the land.
    • A landfall should not be confused with a ‘direct hit’, which refers to a situation where the core of high winds (or eyewall) comes onshore but the centre of the storm may stay remain offshore.

Landfall is the event of a tropical cyclone coming onto land after being over water.

Damage caused

  • The damage caused by the landfall will depend on the severity of the cyclone – marked by the speed of its winds.
  • E.g., Cyclone Biparjoy, classified by the IMD as a “very severe cyclonic storm”, the impact may include extensive damage to kutcha houses, partial disruption of power and communication lines, minor disruption of rail and road traffic, etc.

Lasting time

  • Landfalls can last for a few hours, with their exact duration depending on the speed of the winds and the size of the storm system.
    • e.g., Cyclone Biparjoy’s land process is expected to last around five to six hours, with the cyclone almost completely dissipating over approximately the next 24 hours.
  • Cyclones lose their intensity once they move over land because of sharp reduction of moisture supply and increase in surface friction.
  • This means that while landfalls are often the most devastating moments of cyclones, they also mark the beginning of its end.

Management of cyclones

  • The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in India outlines several key components for the management of cyclones. These components include:
  • Risk Assessment and Early Warning Systems
    • Conducting risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas, populations, and infrastructure.
    • Developing and maintaining robust early warning systems that provide timely and accurate information about approaching cyclones.
    • Disseminating warnings and advisories through multiple channels to reach the affected communities and stakeholders.
  • Preparedness and Planning
    • Developing and regularly updating cyclone-specific disaster management plans at national, state, and local levels.
    • Identifying and establishing cyclone shelters, evacuation routes, and assembly points in vulnerable areas.
    • Stockpiling and pre-positioning essential emergency supplies such as food, water, medical provisions, and relief materials.
    • Conducting regular drills, exercises etc.
  • Mitigation measures
    • Strict adherence to building Codes and Regulations in cyclone-prone areas
    • Coastal Zone Management:
      • Implementation of effective coastal zone management plans to regulate development activities along vulnerable coastlines.
      • It also includes Mangrove Plantation, development of bio-shields, shelter belt plantation, coastal flood management etc.
  • Infrastructure Development:
    • Regular maintenance and strengthening of critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, power lines, and communication networks.
  • Response and Coordination
    • Activating emergency response mechanisms at all levels of governance, including the National, State, and District Disaster Management Authorities.
    • Coordinating with various stakeholders including NGOs
    • Mobilizing resources, including manpower, equipment, and relief supplies, for rescue, evacuation, medical assistance, and other response operations.
    • Establishing emergency operation centers and coordination cells to facilitate real-time information sharing and decision-making.
  • Evacuation and Shelter Management
    • Ensuring the availability and readiness of cyclone shelters and evacuation centres, equipped with basic amenities and facilities.
    • Organizing systematic and orderly evacuations, prioritizing the safety and well-being of vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities.
  • Recovery and Rehabilitation
    • Undertaking post-cyclone damage assessments to ascertain the extent of destruction and prioritize recovery efforts.
    • Providing immediate relief assistance to affected communities, including shelter, food, water, healthcare, and sanitation facilities.
    • Implementing medium- and long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction plans to restore infrastructure, livelihoods, and community resilience.
    • Promoting sustainable development practices and resilient infrastructure designs to minimize future vulnerability.

Steps taken by India

  • National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP):
    • Launched by the MHA, this project aims to reduce the vulnerability of coastal communities and infrastructure to cyclones and storm surges.
    • It focuses on capacity building, early warning systems, cyclone shelters, evacuation planning, and community awareness.
  • IMD’s Colour Coding of Cyclones
    • Four colours - Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red – are used by IMD to make people aware about the severity of cyclones.
  • Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project
  • Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ)
  • Other general steps taken:
    • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
    • National Disaster Management Plan (NDMP)
    • National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM)
    • State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs)


POSTED ON 16-06-2023 BY ADMIN
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