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Cyclone Fani

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Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani
Extremely severe cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Category 4 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Cyclone Fani at peak intensity on 2 May, while approaching Odisha
Formed26 April 2019
DissipatedCurrently active
(Remnant low after 4 May)
Highest winds3-minute sustained: 215 km/h (130 mph)
1-minute sustained: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Lowest pressure937 hPa (mbar); 27.67 inHg
Fatalities51 total
Damage> $8.5 million (2019 USD)
Areas affectedNicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, East India, Bangladesh, Bhutan
Part of the 2019 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm Fani (/ˈfɒniː/; Bengali: ফণী, romanized: Phaṇī[a]) was the strongest tropical cyclone to strike the Indian state of Odisha since Phailin in 2013. The second named storm and the first severe cyclonic storm of the 2019 North Indian Ocean cyclone season, Fani originated from a tropical depression that formed west of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean on 26 April. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) monitored a tropical disturbance that formed in the North Indian Ocean, and designated it with the identifier 01B. Fani slowly drifted westward, finding itself in an area conductive for strengthening. The system intensified and two days after being named, it became Cyclone Fani, the second named storm of the season. Fani moved northward, struggling to intensify as moderate vertical wind shear hampered its progress. After moving away from the wind shear, Fani began to rapidly intensify, and became an extremely severe cyclonic storm on 30 April 2019, the first severe cyclonic storm of the season. Fani reached its peak intensity on 2 May, as a high-end extremely severe cyclonic storm, and the equivalent of a high-end Category 4 major hurricane. Fani continued to maintain its strength up until landfall, and its convective structure rapidly degraded thereafter. On the next day, Fani passed through Kolkata as a cyclonic storm. On 4 May, Fani weakened to a depression, before degenerating into a well-marked low later that day.

Prior to its landfall, authorities in India and Bangladesh moved at least a million people each from Fani's projected path onto higher ground and into cyclone shelters, which is thought to have reduced the resultant death toll.[4] As of 5 May 2019, 51 people are known to have been killed by Fani in Eastern India and Bangladesh.

Meteorological history

Map plotting the storm's track and intensity, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale
Map key
Saffir–Simpson scale
  Tropical depression (≤38 mph, ≤62 km/h)
  Tropical storm (39–73 mph, 63–118 km/h)
  Category 1 (74–95 mph, 119–153 km/h)
  Category 2 (96–110 mph, 154–177 km/h)
  Category 3 (111–129 mph, 178–208 km/h)
  Category 4 (130–156 mph, 209–251 km/h)
  Category 5 (≥157 mph, ≥252 km/h)
  Unknown
Storm type
triangle Extratropical cyclone, remnant low, tropical disturbance, or monsoon depression

The IMD began tracking a depression located west of Sumatra on 26 April, classifying it as BOB 02. Later that day, the JTWC issued a Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert on the system.[5] Afterward, the storm slowly coalesced while moving northward and was upgraded to a deep depression at 00:00 UTC on 27 April.[6] At the same time, the JTWC began warning on the system, designating it 01B.[7] Six hours later, the IMD upgraded the system to a cyclonic storm and gave it the name Fani.[8]

The system continued to intensify until 18:00 UTC, after which it stagnated for over a day as convection around the storm's center waxed and waned.[9] Fani resumed strengthening around 12:00 UTC, with the IMD upgrading it to a severe cyclonic storm.[10] At that time, Fani began a period of rapid intensification as it was located within a very favorable environment with sea surface temperatures of 30–31 °C (86–88 °F) and low vertical wind shear. As a result, the JTWC upgraded Fani to a Category 1-equivalent cyclone late on 29 April.[11] Around 00:00 UTC on 30 April, Fani was upgraded to a very severe cyclonic storm by the IMD.[12] The organization of the system continued to improve, with tight spiral banding wrapping into a formative eye feature,[13] resulting in Fani being upgraded to an extremely severe cyclonic storm by the IMD around 12:00 UTC[14] while the JTWC upgraded the storm to a Category 3-equivalent cyclone hours later.[15] Development proceeded more slowly over the following days, with little improvement evident in the system's satellite presentation. On 2 May, however, the central dense overcast became more symmetrical and the eye more distinct, and Fani was upgraded to a Category 4-equivalent cyclone by the JTWC at 06:00 UTC.[16] Shortly after, Fani started another period of rapid intensification, attaining 1-minute sustained winds of 250 km/h (155 mph) just below Category 5-equivalent tropical cyclone intensity, according to the JTWC.[17] At 8:00 a.m. IST (02:30 UTC) 3 May, Fani made landfall near Puri, Odisha with 3-minute sustained winds of 185 km/h (115 mph).[18] Land interaction quickly degraded Fani's convective structure; and it weakened to a Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone soon after landfall.[19] Fani continued to weaken after landfall, weakening to a cyclonic storm later that day,[20] before passing just north of Kolkata. On 4 May, Fani weakened to a deep depression and moved into Bangladesh,[21] before degenerating into a well-marked low later on the same day.[22]

Preparations

The India Meteorological Department tracked the storm and issued numerous yellow warnings for much of the south-eastern portion of India when the cyclone started to intensify.[23][24] In preparation for the storm's impact, the state government of Odisha evacuated over 1.2 million residents from vulnerable coastal areas and moved them to higher ground and into cyclone shelters built a few miles inland. The authorities deployed around a thousand emergency workers and 43,000 volunteers in these effort. It sent out 2.6 million text messages to warn of the storm in addition to using television, sirens and public-address systems to communicate the message. About 7,000 kitchens were operated to feed evacuees in 9,000 storm shelters.[25][26]

The Indian Navy readied naval ships and aircraft at Arakkonam and Visakhapatnam air-bases to prepare for the storm's aftermath and aid in reconnaissance, rescue and relief operations.[27] The Odisha government staged "300 power boats, two helicopters and many chain saws, to cut downed trees" for the purpose.[26]

Authorities in Bangladesh were ordered to open shelter areas as well in 19 coastal districts.[28] Bangladesh Navy deployed 32 naval ships to provide emergency relief and medical assistance to the coastal areas in case of any emergencies.[29] More than 1.2 million people were evacuated in Bangladesh and moved to the cyclone shelters in coastal areas.[30]

Impact and aftermath

At least 51 people have been killed by Cyclone Fani; 29 in Odisha,[31] 8 in two districts of Uttar Pradesh,[32] and 14 in eight districts of Bangladesh.[33] In Odisha, a teenager was killed after being hit by a falling tree. One woman died when she was hit by flying debris, and another died of a heart attack while in a cyclone shelter.[34]

The storm adversely affected electricity supply and telecommunication in several coastal areas of Odisha, and to a lesser extent, of West Bengal. Puri and Khordha district in Odisha were the worst hit.[25] The Indian state of Andhra Pradesh reported no loss of life or injury, but estimated an economic damage of ₹58.62 crore (US$8.5 million).[35]

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government had released over ₹1000 crore (US$145 million) for the states affected by Fani.[36] The Bangladeshi government distributed rice, dried food, and Tk1.97 crore (US$234,000) to those affected by the cyclone.[37]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ The name was contributed by Bangladesh and means 'hood of a snake'.[1][2][3]

References

  1. ^ "How Cyclone Fani got its name". Dhaka Tribune. 2 May 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019.
  2. ^ "Cyclone Fani May Intensify Further, Heads Towards Odisha Coast: 10 Points". NDTV. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  3. ^ ঘূর্ণিঝড়ের ফণী নামটি কোথা থেকে এলো? (in Bengali). BBC Bangla. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019. {{cite news}}: Invalid |script-title=: missing prefix (help)
  4. ^ Kumar, Hari; Gettleman, Jeffrey; Yasir, Sameer (4 May 2019). "'The Worst Is Over': A Sigh of Relief in India, Mostly Spared by Cyclone". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  5. ^ Tropical Cyclone Formation Alert. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 26 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  6. ^ TC Advisory 1. India Meteorological Department (Report). 27 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  7. ^ Tropical Cyclone 01B Warning 001. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 27 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  8. ^ TC Advisory 2. India Meteorological Department (Report). 27 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  9. ^ TC Advisory 4. India Meteorological Department (Report). 28 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  10. ^ TC Advisory 11. India Meteorological Department (Report). 29 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  11. ^ Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 012. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 29 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  12. ^ TC Advisory 13. India Meteorological Department (Report). 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  13. ^ Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 015. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  14. ^ TC Advisory 15. India Meteorological Department (Report). 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  15. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 016". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Naval Meteorology and Oceanoraphy Command. 30 April 2019. Archived from the original on 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  16. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 022". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2 May 2019. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  17. ^ "Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 023". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. 2 May 2019. Archived from the original on 2 May 2019. Retrieved 2 May 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  18. ^ "Cyclone Fani makes landfall in India". Deutsche Welle. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
  19. ^ Tropical Cyclone 01B (Fani) Warning 027. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Report). Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command. 3 May 2019. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  20. ^ TC Advisory 28. India Meteorological Department (Report). 3 May 2019. Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  21. ^ TC Advisory 30. India Meteorological Department (Report). Archived from the original on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  22. ^ Bulletin 65 (PDF). India Meteorological Department (Report). 4 May 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  23. ^ "Cyclone Fani churns toward India, prompting evacuation of almost 1 million". CBS News. AFP. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 3 April 2019.
  24. ^ Wright, Pam (2 May 2019). "Tropical Cyclone Fani Nears India as Country Works to Evacuate Hundreds of Thousands". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 2 May 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  25. ^ a b Mohanty, Debabrata; Bhattacharya, Snigdhendu (4 May 2019). "Fani leaves trail of devastation; India, Bangladesh count losses". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  26. ^ a b Kumar, Hari; Gettleman, Jeffrey; Yasir, Sameer (3 May 2019). "How Do You Save a Million People From a Cyclone? Ask a Poor State in India". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  27. ^ "Cyclone Fani: Naval ships, aircraft on standby". The Hindu. 30 April 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2019.
  28. ^ "Bangladesh prepares for Fani as cyclonic storm draws near". Dhaka Tribune. 1 May 2019. Retrieved 1 May 2019. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |dead-url= (help)
  29. ^ "Bangladesh Navy prepared to face Fani with 32 ships". Dhaka Tribune. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  30. ^ "12 lakh moved to shelters". The Daily Star. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  31. ^ "Number Of Dead From Cyclone Fani Rises To 29 In Odisha". NDTV. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  32. ^ "Lightning kills 8 in Uttar Pradesh". New Indian Express. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  33. ^ "Cyclone Fani: 14 killed in 8 districts". Dhaka Tribune. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 4 May 2019.
  34. ^ "Cyclone Fani kills at least 15 as it moves to Bangladesh". Khaleej Times. Associated Press. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  35. ^ "Andhra Pradesh pegs loss due to Cyclone Fani at ₹58.62 crore". The Hindu. 5 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  36. ^ "Cyclone Fani: Over Rs 1,000 crore released in advance, says PM Modi". DNA India. 3 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
  37. ^ "Fani damages 53,000 acres of cropland, 13,000 houses". The Daily Star. 4 May 2019. Retrieved 5 May 2019.
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