Cyclone is a swirling atmospheric disturbance in which strong winds blow in a circle, and rotate in the same direction as rotation of the earth. These comprise spiralling winds that are usually centred in areas that have low atmospheric pressures. At the same time, they are surrounded by high pressure.
They usually occur in tropical regions due to high temperature and humidity. Cyclones are referred to as typhoons in the Pacific Ocean, cyclones in the Indian Ocean and hurricanes in America. About 65-75 cyclones arise in the world every year. They are very common in India because of its long coastline.
Effects of Cyclones and Hurricanes:
i. Tropical cyclones cause heavy rainfall and landslides.
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ii. They cause a lot of harm to towns and villages, causing severe damage to kuccha houses. Coastal businesses like shipyards and oil wells are destroyed.
iii. They harm the ecosystem of the surrounding region.
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iv. Civic facilities are disturbed.
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v. Agricultural land is severely affected, especially in terms of water supply and soil erosion.
vi. It causes harm to human, plant and animal life.
vii. Communication systems are badly affected due to cyclones.
Additional Information
Management and Mitigation of Cyclones and Hurricanes:
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i. Coastal areas should be well prepared to meet eventualities that arise from cyclones.
ii. Houses should be constructed such that they can withstand the heavy rainfall and forceful winds.
iii. Shelter beds should be created to check soil erosion and speed of winds.
iv. Remote sensing techniques should be used to forecast cyclones appropriately.
v. When a cyclone does occur, rescue and relief operations should be in place.