Not just the frequency, the intensity and duration of the cyclones over Arabian Sea too are changing, the study said. #cyclone #arabiansea

1. Monday,
4th
December
2023
India's Coastal Battle
Cyclones Multiply in the Arabian Sea
Issue
#23
India has seen an alarming increase in the frequency and
intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea in recent years.
This warning poses a serious threat to coastal
populations and underlines the urgent need for better
planning and mitigation.
It is bordered by the Bay of Bengal to the east and the Arabian Sea
to the west, forming the North Indian Ocean. It accounts for 6% of
all hurricanes worldwide each year. According to research by the
Indian Institute of Science and Technology (IISER), the region
produced an average of 50.5 cyclones per decade during the 130-
year study period, as per IMD information.
Although hurricanes in the Bay of Bengal have a history of causing
significant damage, scientists have found that the number of
hurricanes has decreased in recent years. The frequency of storms
in the Bay of Bengal decreased by 8% from 2001 to 2019,
according to a 2021 paper published in the journal Climatic
Dynamics.
Tropical cyclones in the Arabian Sea have become rare and severe
in recent years. According to research by the Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology, the incidence has increased by 52% in the
last 40 years. Superstorms have also increased in duration, lasting
260% longer than they did 40 years ago.
Increasing numbers
Information shows that the number of storms in coastal areas is
increasing. The Arabian Sea has always been a basin. The basin is
smaller compared to the Bay of Bengal. The frequency of storms
has increased in the last decade, challenging the preconceived
notion that the Arabian Sea is a peaceful region. Weather data
shows an increase in the frequency and intensity of cyclones and a
major change in the historical cyclone pattern in the Arabian Sea.
Harsh Kumar

2. Changing Climate Dynamics
Experts attribute the storm surge to climate change. Global
warming has caused sea levels to rise, creating favorable
conditions for hurricanes to form. Once a colder water, the Arabian
Sea is now warmer, providing the perfect environment for tropical
storms to foster and sustain life.
Impact on coastal communities
The increase in storm surges poses an immediate threat to India's
coastal communities. As these storms intensify, they produce
heavy rain, high winds, and storm surges that can cause severe
flooding and damage. Coastal states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra
and Karnataka have borne the brunt of the crisis and need to re-
evaluate their preparedness and response strategies.
Mitigation and Preparedness
As the threat grows, measures need to be taken to reduce the
impact of hurricanes. Investing in early warning systems,
strengthening coastal defenses, and educating communities on
evacuation procedures are important steps towards reducing the
vulnerability of coastal waters. International cooperation to
mitigate climate change is also important for addressing the root
causes of climate change.
Conclusion
The storm in the Arabian Sea made an impact on India. and the
world. As climate change continues to impact weather patterns,
countries must work together to adapt to these changes and protect
vulnerable coastal populations. This information is important and
encourages policymakers, scientists and communities to work
together to create a sustainable and safe future for these people
living in the shadow of the storm in the Arabian Sea.