Cyclone Yaas in West Bengal and Odisha: Current Impact and Future Predictions

Introduction to Cyclone Yaas

When I was writing this article, Cyclone Yaas, a severe tropical cyclone, had already begun making landfall over Odisha and West Bengal on May 26, 2021. The cyclone, initially referred to as Yass, has uplifted concerns and preparedness across the region. The term 'Yass' often gets misspelled as 'Yash’ or 'Yaas', with Yash meaning success and majesty in Sanskrit. As a tropical cyclone, Yaas is a destructive force with implications for the region's infrastructure and the safety of its people.

Understanding Tropical Cyclones

A tropical cyclone is an intense circular storm that originates over warm tropical oceans. It is characterised by low atmospheric pressure, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. Where are cyclones formed? Cyclones are fuelled by the heat from water bodies, particularly when the temperature is 28°C or higher. The Bay of Bengal, known for its warmer waters, tends to produce more cyclones compared to the Arabian Sea.

Cyclone Yaas: Formation and Landfall

Yaas formed as a low depression in the Bay of Bengal and has since intensified into a very severe cyclonic storm. On May 26, 2021, Yaas made landfall over the Odisha-West Bengal coasts around 9 am with wind speeds of 130 to 140 kmph, gusting to 155 kmph. This speed was lower than the earlier projections but still posed a significant threat to the coastal regions. The location of the landfall was near Dhamra in Odisha's Bhadrak district, and the impact extended to beach towns in North Odisha and neighbouring West Bengal.

Impact on West Bengal and Odisha

The cyclone Yaas has affected nearly a crore of people and damaged 3 lakh houses. It has caused flooding, rainfall, high winds, and storm surges, posing significant threats to regions like northeast India and Bangladesh. The immediate response from the authorities involved the evacuation of over a crore of people and the relocation of 5.8 lakh individuals in Odisha and 15 lakh in West Bengal. The cyclone is likely to leave Odisha for Jharkhand by midnight, with the wind slowing down by evening.

Predictions and Future Outlook

The intensity of Cyclone Yaas has not only been a cause of concern but has also highlighted the increasing potential of cyclones to cause damage, attributed to climate change. The severity of the cyclone is anticipated to add to a growing trend of multiple cyclones hitting the region in a short period. Recent predictions by weather models suggest that Yaas could be a category 3 storm, with the potential to escalate to category 4. Its impact is likely to be just as intense as Amphan, despite having a shorter lifespan. The region is still recovering from the aftermath of Cyclone Tauktae, with the arrival of Yaas adding to the challenges.

Conclusion: Cyclone Yaas serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust preparedness and evacuation plans. It is crucial for authorities and the public to stay informed and vigilant. The cyclical nature of cyclones, coupled with climate change, underscores the importance of disaster management and mitigating strategies in coastal regions.