India has a long history of being impacted by powerful tropical cyclones, which have caused significant damage to life and property.
These storms often originate in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea and can affect millions of people along the coastline.
Understanding these major storms provides insight into the patterns and impacts of cyclones on India’s coastal regions.
Learning about these events helps in preparing for future storms and improving disaster management strategies.
1. Super Cyclone Amphan
Super Cyclone Amphan struck in May 2020, severely impacting Eastern India and Bangladesh. It was one of the most powerful cyclones in recorded history in the region.
Amphan made landfall in West Bengal with winds reaching about 100 mph.
The storm caused significant damage, killing 98 people in India.
It was the costliest recorded cyclone in the North Indian Ocean, causing $13.8 billion in damage.
Amphan uprooted trees, destroyed homes, and left millions without electricity.
Amphan was the first super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999. Its intensity and the extent of the destruction made it a catastrophic event. For more information, refer to Cyclone Amphan.
2. Cyclone Fani
Cyclone Fani, a severe cyclonic storm, hit the eastern coast of India on May 3, 2019. It made landfall near Puri, in the state of Odisha, with wind speeds of 175 km/h.
The storm caused significant damage to infrastructure.
Houses, power lines, agricultural fields, communication networks, and water supply systems were heavily impacted.
The storm claimed 64 lives and displaced many residents.
Cyclone Fani was one of the worst tropical cyclones to affect Odisha since the 1999 Odisha cyclone and stands among the biggest storms to ever hit India. For more information, visit Cyclone Fani – Wikipedia.
3. Cyclone Hudhud
Cyclone Hudhud was an extremely severe cyclonic storm. It formed in the Andaman Sea on October 6, 2014.
By October 8, it had intensified into a cyclonic storm. Hudhud struck the eastern coast of India on October 12, impacting Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
The cyclone had wind speeds reaching around 200 km/h.
It caused significant damage to buildings, roads, and the power grid.
Visakhapatnam was one of the hardest-hit areas, experiencing heavy rainfall and storm surges.
The cyclone claimed around 124 lives and left many others injured.
Cyclone Hudhud is remembered for its extensive damage and the heavy economic losses it caused. It was the only tropical cyclone in the region whose remnants reached as far north as Nepal.
For more information, visit Cyclone Hudhud on Wikipedia.
4. Cyclone Ockhi
Cyclone Ockhi was a powerful tropical cyclone that struck parts of India and Sri Lanka in 2017. It was the most intense tropical cyclone in the Arabian Sea since Cyclone Megh in 2015.
Ockhi originated from a low-pressure area over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The cyclone rapidly intensified and moved across to the Arabian Sea.
The cyclone caused significant damage in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat.
With wind speeds reaching up to 185 km/h, it led to widespread destruction and claimed over 245 lives in India.
For more on Cyclone Ockhi’s impact, visit Cyclone Ockhi – Wikipedia and Hindustan Times.
5. Cyclone Vardah
Cyclone Vardah struck India in December 2016. It hit the coast near Chennai on December 12 and was classified as a very severe cyclonic storm.
Vardah caused major damage in Tamil Nadu.
The cyclone brought strong winds and heavy rains, which led to flooding and damage to infrastructure.
The storm claimed 18 lives in the region.
Many buildings, trees, and power lines were destroyed, disrupting daily life for many people.
Learn more about Cyclone Vardah and its impact.
6. Cyclone Phailin
Cyclone Phailin was a significant tropical cyclone that made landfall in India. This powerful storm struck the coast of Odisha near Gopalpur in Ganjam district on October 12, 2013, bringing wind speeds of around 200 km per hour.
Phailin is noted as one of the most intense tropical cyclones since the 1999 Odisha cyclone. It affected approximately 13.2 million people. The name Phailin means “sapphire” in Thai.
Phailin caused widespread damage, including severe flooding and destruction of homes and infrastructure. The event highlighted the vulnerability of coastal communities to such natural disasters.
7. Cyclone Nilam
Cyclone Nilam was a significant tropical cyclone that affected South India. It originated from an area of low pressure over the Bay of Bengal on October 28, 2012. It began as a weak depression located northeast of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
By October 31, Nilam intensified into a cyclonic storm and made landfall near Mahabalipuram. Its peak winds reached 85 km/h (50 mph).
The storm caused significant damage, disrupting life and property in the affected regions.
Cyclone Nilam was the deadliest tropical cyclone in South India since Cyclone Jal in 2010. It claimed 75 lives, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to such natural disasters.
Efforts to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of such cyclones have increased over the years, but Nilam remains a reminder of the destructive potential of tropical storms.
8. Cyclone Yaas
Cyclone Yaas made landfall in Odisha on May 26, 2021, hitting the area with wind speeds of 120 kilometers per hour (75 miles per hour).
The cyclone affected regions in both Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of southern Bangladesh.
Over 1.5 million people were evacuated from their homes to safer locations. Despite the strong winds and heavy rain, these timely evacuations helped minimize casualties.
The cyclone caused severe flooding and destruction of property.
Tens of thousands of mud homes were destroyed, leaving many people without shelter. The affected areas faced significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture, impacting local communities.
9. Cyclone Gaja
Cyclone Gaja was a significant storm in the 2018 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. It was the sixth named cyclone that year, forming over the Gulf of Thailand in early November.
The storm traveled through Southern Thailand and the Malay Peninsula before entering the Andaman Sea. It gradually intensified and became a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal.
Upon making landfall in Tamil Nadu, Cyclone Gaja caused severe devastation.
It brought heavy rainfall and strong winds, leading to significant damage and loss of life. The cyclone affected a large number of people and disrupted normal life in many areas.
10. Cyclone Tauktae
Cyclone Tauktae hit the Indian state of Gujarat on May 17, 2021. It was recorded as the strongest storm to ever hit the west coast of India.
The cyclone made landfall between Diu and Rajula, bringing wind speeds between 150 and 175 kilometers per hour (Wikipedia).
This storm caused significant damage and devastation.
It was ranked as a major category 3 storm by the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (Yale Climate Connections). The cyclone also posed challenges for COVID-19 response efforts in India (CNN).
Meteorological Factors Influencing Storms
Understanding the factors that contribute to the formation and intensity of storms can help in predicting and managing their impact.
Key influences include geographical location and seasonal patterns, each playing crucial roles in storm development.
Geographical Influences
India’s position in the North Indian Ocean makes it highly susceptible to tropical cyclones.
The Bay of Bengal, on the eastern side, is a hotspot for cyclones. Warm sea surface temperatures in this region provide the energy needed for cyclone formation.
The coastline of India, particularly the eastern states such as Odisha and West Bengal, frequently faces the brunt of these storms.
The wide and shallow continental shelf contributes to significant storm surges during cyclones, exacerbating damage.
Geography also dictates that cyclones originating in the Arabian Sea impact the western states like Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Mountain ranges along the coast, such as the Western Ghats, can enhance rainfall when moist, cyclone-driven air masses lift over them.
These geographical features collectively shape the pathways and intensities of storms hitting India.
Seasonal Patterns
Storms in India typically occur during two main seasons: pre-monsoon (April to June) and post-monsoon (October to December). The intensity and frequency of storms can vary significantly between these periods.
During the pre-monsoon season, the warming of ocean waters is a significant factor, providing the thermal energy needed for cyclone formation.
In the post-monsoon season, the retreating monsoon influences storm activity.
Cooler temperatures and shifting wind patterns can either fuel or hinder cyclone development.
For instance, the 1999 Odisha cyclone and recent events like Cyclone Amphan occurred during the post-monsoon phase, highlighting the season’s potential for severe storms.
Impact on Communities and Infrastructure
Cyclones have had significant effects on both communities and infrastructure in India. The economic impact and humanitarian efforts are some of the most crucial aspects to consider.
Economic Consequences
Cyclones cause extensive damage to buildings, roads, and the power grid.
Cyclone Hudhud, which struck the coastal regions of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha in 2014, claimed around 124 lives and caused severe damage to infrastructure, especially in Visakhapatnam.
Similarly, Cyclone Tauktae hit Gujarat in 2021, leading to heavy economic losses as the region was already struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The agricultural sector suffers greatly due to these storms, with millions of hectares of crops being destroyed.
Ports and shipping lanes are often shut down, disrupting trade and affecting the national economy.
Repairs and rebuilding efforts require substantial financial investments, putting additional pressure on local and national budgets.
Humanitarian Efforts
After a cyclone, local and international aid organizations focus on providing immediate relief such as food, water, and medical supplies.
Emergency shelters are set up for displaced people.
Cyclone Amphan in 2020 saw significant efforts to evacuate millions of people from affected areas in West Bengal and Odisha.
Organizations also work on long-term recovery, including rebuilding homes and schools and re-establishing essential services like electricity and clean water.
The Indian government, along with NGOs, often spearheads these efforts, ensuring that affected communities receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives.