Cyclone “Amphan”

Powerful Bay of Bengal Cyclone Amphan was a powerful tropical cyclone that impacted parts of India and Bangladesh in May 2020. Here are key details about Cyclone Amphan:

1. **Formation of Amphan:**

Cyclone Amphan originated from a low-pressure area over the Southeast Bay of Bengal in May 2020. It rapidly intensified into a super cyclonic storm.

2. **Intensity of Cyclone Amphan:**

Amphan reached its peak intensity on May 18, 2020, with maximum sustained winds of around 160 mph (260 km/h). It was classified as a Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

3. **Landfall of Cyclone Amphan:**

On May 20, 2020, Cyclone Amphan made landfall near the border of India and Bangladesh. The landfall occurred near the Sundarbans, a region known for its mangrove forests.

4. **Storm Surge of Amphan:**

One of the most significant impacts of Cyclone Amphan was the storm surge, which inundated low-lying coastal areas.

The storm surge, combined with heavy rainfall, led to extensive flooding in parts of West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.

5. **Impact on India:**

The Indian states of West Bengal and Odisha were heavily affected by Cyclone Amphan. Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, experienced severe wind damage and flooding.

Millions of people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, and there was substantial damage to infrastructure, including power lines and communication networks.

6. **Impact on Bangladesh:**

Coastal districts of Bangladesh, including areas around the Sundarbans, were severely affected.

The storm surge and heavy rainfall led to widespread flooding and damage to homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure.

7. **Casualties and Displacement:**

Cyclone Amphan caused several dozen fatalities and displaced millions of people in both India and Bangladesh.

The affected regions faced challenges related to relief and recovery efforts, including the restoration of power and essential services.

8. **Response and Evacuations:**

Both India and Bangladesh undertook massive evacuation efforts to move people from vulnerable areas to shelters.

Authorities in both countries coordinated relief efforts and emergency response measures.

Cyclone Amphan [wiki] was one of the strongest tropical cyclones recorded in the Bay of Bengal and highlighted the vulnerability of coastal regions to the impacts of powerful storms, including storm surges and flooding.

The event underscored the importance of preparedness, early warning systems, and international collaboration in dealing with such natural disasters.