The recent news highlights the landfall process of Cyclone Biparjoy near Jakhau port in the Kutch district. Landfall refers to the event when a tropical cyclone moves over the coast and reaches land after being over water. This essay will discuss the concept of landfall, the impact it has on the affected areas, and the duration of this critical phase.
Understanding Landfall
- Landfall is the moment when the center of a tropical cyclone, known as the eye, crosses over the coastline.
- The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) defines landfall as the movement of the storm’s eye over the coast.
- It signifies the transition of the cyclone from a water-based phenomenon to an impact on land.
Impact of Cyclone Landfall
- The extent of damage caused by landfall depends on the severity of the cyclone, determined by the speed of its winds.
- Cyclone Biparjoy has been classified as a “very severe cyclonic storm” by the IMD.
- The potential impacts may include:
- Extensive damage to kutcha houses (non-permanent structures).
- Partial disruption of power and communication lines.
- Minor disruption of rail and road traffic.
- Potential threat from flying debris.
- Flooding of escape routes due to heavy rainfall and storm surge.
Factors Influencing Damage
- The damage caused during landfall is attributed to several factors:
- Extremely strong winds: High-speed winds can cause structural damage and uproot trees and electrical poles.
- Heavy rainfall: Intense rainfall leads to waterlogging and flash floods, affecting infrastructure and posing risks to human life.
- Storm surge: The rise in sea level caused by cyclonic winds can result in devastating coastal floods.
Duration of Landfall
- The duration of landfall varies based on the wind speed and the size of the cyclone system.
- Cyclone Biparjoy’s landfall process is expected to last approximately five to six hours.
- After landfall, the cyclone’s intensity gradually decreases due to reduced moisture supply and increased surface friction.
- Over the next 24 hours, the cyclone is likely to dissipate significantly.
Important Points:
- Landfall: 🌊 The event when a tropical cyclone reaches land after being over water
- Impact: 💨 Damage depends on cyclone severity (wind speed)
- Extensive damage to kutcha houses
- Partial disruption of power and communication lines
- Minor disruption of rail and road traffic
- Potential threat from flying debris
- Flooding of escape routes due to heavy rainfall and storm surge
- Factors causing damage: 🌬️💧🌊
- Extremely strong winds
- Heavy rainfall
- Storm surge leading to coastal floods
- Duration of landfall: ⏱️
- Can last a few hours
- Depends on wind speed and cyclone size
- Cyclone Biparjoy’s landfall expected to last around 5-6 hours
- Decline in intensity after landfall: ⬇️
- Reduction of moisture supply and increased surface friction
- Cyclones lose intensity once they move over land
- Landfall marks the beginning of the cyclone’s end
Why In News
The ferocious Cyclone Biparjoy made its initial landfall near Jakhau port in the Kutch district, unleashing its destructive force upon the coastal region. The cyclone’s onslaught persisted throughout the night, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake until the stroke of midnight.
MCQs about Cyclone Biparjoy’s Landfall
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What is the definition of “landfall” in the context of a cyclone?
A. The movement of the storm’s eye over the coast.
B. The formation of a cyclone over land.
C. The transition of a tropical storm to a hurricane.
D. The dissipation of a cyclone over water.
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What factors contribute to the damage caused during landfall?
A. Heavy rainfall and storm surge.
B. Strong winds and earthquakes.
C. Landslides and lightning strikes.
D. Heatwaves and drought conditions.
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What happens to the intensity of a cyclone after landfall?
A. It remains the same.
B. It intensifies further.
C. It gradually decreases.
D. It becomes unpredictable.
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