Cyclone Montha Hits Andhra Pradesh; Rising Sea Temperatures Linked to Increased Frequency
Cyclone Montha recently made landfall near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, causing significant rainfall and damage to crops and infrastructure. Experts attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of such storms in the Bay of Bengal to rising Sea Surface Temperatures (SST), which have consistently exceeded the 28°C to 30°C threshold. While disaster management and evacuation protocols have improved, reducing human casualties, the economic impact on agriculture and livestock remains a major challenge. The role of climate phenomena like the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) and La Niña in creating favorable conditions for cyclonic formations is also highlighted as a contributing factor.
Key Points
- Sea Surface Temperatures in the Bay of Bengal have risen by 0.5°C to 1°C over the last 50 years, creating ideal conditions for tropical cyclones.
- Improved preparedness by Union and State governments has significantly reduced the death toll compared to historical super cyclones like those in 1977 and 1999.
- Deforestation and the degradation of coastal ecosystems like mangroves have reduced natural buffers, amplifying the damage caused by storm surges.
- The agricultural sector suffered heavily, with crops on over 43,000 hectares submerged and significant losses in livestock and poultry.
Exam Facts
- Cyclone Montha landfall occurred near Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh around 7 p.m. on Tuesday.
- SST threshold for tropical cyclone formation is typically 28°C to 30°C.
- IITM Pune studies indicate a consistent rise in Bay of Bengal SST over the last five decades.
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