Satellites tracking Cyclone Dana

Context: The Indian
Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Thursday said its satellites had been
tracking the Cyclone Dana since October 20. Cyclonic storm Dana is approaching
the coastal districts of Odisha and West Bengal. ISRO’s polar orbiting
satellite EOS-06 and geostationary satellite INSAT-3DR are regularly providing
valuable information on the cyclone status. ISRO polar orbiting satellite
EOS-06 Scatterometer sensor provides the status of ocean winds and their
circulation well before the formation of the cyclone. It stated that the
satellite inputs help in better monitoring and mitigation of the cyclone threat
to India.

Key points

·      
Overview: According
to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is expected to make
landfall as a severe cyclone (wind speed: 89 to 117 kmph) along the Odisha
coast near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port.

·      
Cyclone
dana: It is the third cyclone to form in the North Indian Ocean
region and the second to make landfall along the Indian coast in 2024 after
Cyclone Remal.

·      
Reasons for
Intense Rainfall: Intense
Convection: The cyclone is showing intense convection in its western
sector, which extends up to the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Warm Moist Air: There is an influx of warm, moist
air into the core of the cyclone, which further enhances convection leading to
more intense rainfall. 

Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) Influence: The MJO is
made up of two parts: an enhanced rainfall phase and a suppressed rainfall
phase. 

Ø  During the
enhanced phase, surface winds converge, causing air to rise and create more
rainfall. In the suppressed phase, winds converge at the top of the atmosphere,
causing air to sink and leading to less rainfall.

Ø  This dipole
structure moves west to east in the Tropics, creating more cloudiness and
rainfall in the enhanced phase, and more sunshine and dryness in the suppressed
phase.

·      
Four-Stage
Cyclone Warning System: Pre-Cyclone
Watch (Green): Issued 72 hours in advance. Alerts about potential cyclonic
disturbances and expected adverse weather in coastal areas.

Cyclone Alert (Yellow): Issued at
least 48 hours before adverse weather begins. Provides information on the
storm’s location, intensity, and advises on safety measures.

Cyclone Warning (Orange): Issued at
least 24 hours before the onset of adverse weather. Offers detailed updates on
cyclone position, expected landfall, and associated impacts like heavy rainfall
and strong winds.

Post Landfall Outlook (Red): Issued at
least 12 hours before landfall. Detailed adverse weather conditions likely to
affect inland areas after landfall.

·      
Effectiveness
of Earth Observing Satellite: Effectiveness of Earth Observing
Satellite: Real-time data predictions of Climatic Events like Cyclone tracking,
intensity, predicting of landfall. All day and night weather forecasting is
possible, due to the use of the microwave infrared spectrum.

·      
Conclusion: Cyclone
Dana underscores the importance of proactive disaster management measures,
including effective early warning systems, land use planning, and community
involvement. By enhancing infrastructure resilience, implementing hazard
mapping, and promoting mangrove conservation, we can better prepare for and
mitigate the impacts of cyclones on vulnerable coastal regions.