Cyclone Dana Brings Destruction to India’s East Coast
Cyclone Dana made landfall on India’s east coast, uprooting trees and power lines, and causing widespread destruction. The storm is expected to bring more fierce weather to the region, with officials warning of a surge in sea levels of up to 1.15 meters (3.75 feet).
Storm Forces Evacuations
At least 1.1 million people in the states of Odisha and West Bengal were relocated to storm shelters before the eye of the cyclone reached the coast just after midnight. District official Siddarth Swain reported that the storm had left a "trail of destruction" in the coastal town of Puri, with many trees and electric poles uprooted and makeshift shops on the beach blown away. Miraculously, no casualties have been reported so far.
Destruction and Flooding
The cyclone caused significant destruction and flooding in the region. The Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world, was hit by a "gale force wind" that uprooted hundreds of trees, while hundreds of homes were damaged, with roofs blown off in coastal areas. Major airports have been shut since Thursday night in Kolkata, India’s third-biggest city and a key travel hub, which was lashed by heavy rains.
Climate Change Connection
Scientists have warned that storms are becoming more powerful as the world heats up due to climate change driven by burning fossil fuels. Warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapour, which provides additional energy for storms, strengthening winds. A warming atmosphere also allows storms to hold more water, boosting heavy rainfall.
Lessons Learned
Better forecasting and more effective evacuation planning have dramatically reduced death tolls. In May, Cyclone Remal killed at least 48 people in India and at least 17 people in Bangladesh, according to government figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is a cyclone?
A: A cyclone is a type of storm that forms over the ocean and can bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to the coast. - Q: What is the impact of climate change on cyclones?
A: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of cyclones, as warmer ocean surfaces release more water vapour and a warming atmosphere allows storms to hold more water. - Q: What can be done to mitigate the effects of cyclones?
A: Better forecasting and evacuation planning can help reduce the risk of death and damage caused by cyclones.