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Cyclone Nivar was a very severe cyclonic storm that struck Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in late November 2020. It was the eighth depression and the fourth named storm of the 2020 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. Nivar formed from a disturbance in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and on November 23, both the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) confirmed its formation as a tropical depression. The following day, both agencies upgraded it to a tropical storm, giving it the name Nivar. The cyclone made landfall between Puducherry and Chennai, near Marakkanam on the northern coast of Tamil Nadu. The damages caused by Cyclone Nivar amounted to $600 million.
Overview of Tropical Cyclone Nivar
Cyclone Nivar, the fourth cyclonic storm of the 2020 season in the Bay of Bengal region, left a trail of destruction as it made landfall near Karaikal in Puducherry during the early hours of November 26, 2020. This powerful cyclone originated from a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal on November 22 and rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm by November 24. Nivar unleashed its fury with extremely heavy rainfall and violent winds, clocking speeds of up to 120 kmph, affecting the regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry. This natural disaster served as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region, underscoring the need for better preparedness and disaster management measures in vulnerable coastal areas.”
Key Points
- Cyclone Nivar was the fourth cyclonic storm in the Bay of Bengal in 2020, following Amphan, Nisarg, and Gati.
- It formed from a low-pressure area on November 22, 2020, and intensified into a severe cyclonic storm by November 24.
- Nivar made landfall near Karaikal in Puducherry on November 26, 2020, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds of up to 120 kmph.
- The affected regions included Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
- Cyclone Nivar highlighted the growing threat of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, emphasising the importance of preparedness and disaster management.
Formation of Cyclone Nivar
Cyclone Nivar, which made headlines in November 2020, had a fascinating formation process that unfolded in the Bay of Bengal off the Tamil Nadu coast. It all began when a low-pressure area emerged on November 22, 2020, due to the rising hot air masses above the warm Bay waters. This low-pressure system intensified into a depression on November 23, and by the following day, it had strengthened even further, earning the name ‘Nivar.’ The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) played a crucial role in monitoring its progress and issued warnings about the impending cyclonic landfall, which was projected to impact Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Sri Lanka.
Nivar reached its peak intensity on November 25, officially being classified as a severe cyclonic storm by the IMD. In the early hours of November 26, 2020, Nivar made landfall on the Marakkanam coast of Puducherry, causing significant concern among residents and authorities. However, the cyclone’s journey didn’t end there. It later moved back into the Bay of Bengal, transforming into a deep depression and ultimately making another landfall on the same day, this time along the Andhra Pradesh coast in the Rayalaseema region.
This remarkable sequence of events showcases the dynamic nature of cyclone formation and the crucial role of meteorological agencies in tracking and forecasting these weather phenomena, ultimately helping communities prepare and respond effectively to minimise the impact.
Effects of cyclone Nivar?
- Cyclone Nivar caused casualties in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
- Chennai and Puducherry witnessed record-breaking rainfall, ending a rain deficit.
- Heavy rainfall persisted for 48 hours in affected areas.
- Severe damage to crops, particularly in Andhra Pradesh’s Prakasam district.
- Strong winds resulted in uprooted trees and disrupted communication.
- Significant economic losses in agriculture and electricity sectors.
Why is it called Nivar?
In the North Indian Ocean region, where countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh grapple with the recurring threat of cyclonic storms, there exists a remarkable system for naming these natural phenomena. Cyclone Nivar, like its counterparts, earned its name through a meticulously coordinated effort guided by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This collaborative initiative involves 13 member countries, each contributing a list of 13 names, resulting in a pool of 169 potential names for cyclones. These names are thoughtfully organised alphabetically by country and assigned sequentially to cyclones as they develop, ensuring that no name is repeated. The underlying goal of this naming system is to streamline the identification process, reduce confusion during cyclone events, and facilitate effective communication through the media. Beyond these practical benefits, it also serves to enhance preparedness efforts and promote a deeper understanding of cyclones and their impacts, contributing to a more organised and efficient response to these natural disasters in the region.
- Cyclone Nivar’s name is determined through a coordinated effort in the North Indian Ocean region.
- This region includes 13 member countries, each contributing a list of 13 names for potential cyclones, resulting in 169 names.
- The names are organised alphabetically by country and assigned sequentially to cyclones to avoid repetition.
- The purpose of this naming system is to simplify identification and reduce confusion during cyclone events.
- It aids in effective communication, enhances preparedness efforts, and promotes understanding of cyclones.
Conclusion
Cyclone Nivar, which struck Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry in late November 2020, served as a stark reminder of the increasing frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Bay of Bengal region. This powerful storm originated from a low-pressure area and rapidly intensified, causing significant damage with heavy rainfall and strong winds. Its name, Nivar, was assigned through a coordinated effort among countries in the North Indian Ocean region to simplify identification and improve communication during cyclone events.
The formation of Cyclone Nivar showcased the dynamic nature of these weather phenomena and underscored the crucial role of meteorological agencies in monitoring, tracking, and forecasting cyclones to help communities prepare and respond effectively.
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, the threat of cyclones in this region remains a significant concern. Cyclone Nivar’s impact emphasises the urgent need for better preparedness and disaster management measures in vulnerable coastal areas, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in the face of future cyclonic events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Tropical Cyclone Nivar
What is Cyclone Nivar?
Cyclone Nivar was a severe cyclonic storm that struck Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry in late November 2020.
How did Cyclone Nivar form?
Cyclone Nivar originated from a low-pressure area in the Bay of Bengal on November 22, 2020, and rapidly intensified into a severe cyclonic storm by November 24.
What regions were affected by Cyclone Nivar?
Cyclone Nivar affected the regions of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Puducherry.
What were the effects of Cyclone Nivar?
Cyclone Nivar caused casualties, record-breaking rainfall, flooding, damage to crops, and disruptions to communication and electricity sectors in the affected areas.
How was Cyclone Nivar named?
Cyclone Nivar, like other cyclones in the North Indian Ocean region, was named through a coordinated effort by 13 member countries, each contributing a list of 13 names. These names are assigned sequentially to cyclones to streamline identification and communication during cyclone events.
