When the Bay Stirs: Cyclone Early Warning Issued and What It Means for Nature & People

Meteorologists and oceanographers have their eyes on the Bay of Bengal as the cyclone early warning is issued,Cyclone Early Warning Bay of Bengal, indicating that a new and potentially dangerous weather system is developing in the area. This early warning is critical not only for protecting the population but also for allowing for the protection of the fragile coastal ecosystems in the area. Knowing what to expect gives local communities, their government, and environmental planners more time to prepare and respond.

How The Bay Of Bengal Is A Cyclone-Prone

The Bay of Bengal has high sea surface temperature and specific wind patterns that produce some of the most cyclonic activity globally. Cyclones form rapidly from low-pressure weather systems during the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Climate change has been increasing the number of severe storms over the last few years, making it more important than ever to produce warnings for storm tracking.

What An Early Warning Means

An early warning means there is no assurance of a landfalling cyclone. However, this means there are now good chances that weather systems are developing into cyclones. Authorities use this information to prepare evacuation plans, protect critical infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities), and let fishing communities know they need to prepare to evacuate if necessary. This early warning information is also very important for ecologists to determine what potential impacts cyclone flooding will have on mangrove forests, coral reef systems, and coastal biodiversity.

Effects of coastal cyclone on coastal ecology

Coastal Cyclones cause changes to our Coastal Environment. A cyclone’s strong winds and storm surges cause soil erosion, saltwater (saline) intrusion into our soil, and destruction of Plant Life, such as Mangroves. Mangroves provide natural protection. So if we experience repeated cyclones, they will weaken the mangroves’ resilience and functionality. Furthermore, marine (ocean) life is also affected by cyclone activity because the turbulent sea caused by the cyclone disrupts breeding grounds and coral reefs.

Impact of Cyclones on Human Communities and Their Livelihoods

The coastal regions of India, Bangladesh and Myanmar are home to millions of people, many of whom depend on fishing and agriculture for their livelihood. Although Cyclone Warning Systems have helped to decrease loss of life due to Cyclones, Coastal Communities will continue to be at Risk for Loss of Livelihood and at Economic Risk due to Cyclone Damage to Crops, freshwater contamination from the Cyclone and Loss of Days of Fishing due to the Disruption from Cyclone Activity.

Steps To Prepare For A Cyclone

To maximise the effectiveness of Early Cyclone Warnings, the warning must be followed with Action. Generally, it is recommended that Coastal Residents continue to monitor Official Weather Updates, avoid travelling on Open Water during a Cyclone’s Approach and prepare Emergency Supply Kits to be used if needed. In addition to the Advisory from the Government Agencies, NGOs are playing an important role in protecting Coastal Communities by reinforcing the Coastal Area with levees to reduce flooding damage, and Protecting Coastal Wildlife and Habitat Reserves in order to support Marine Ecosystems. Shelters must be made available for both Humans and Livestock during a Hurricane Event.

Significant Climate Change-Induced Natural Disasters

Natural disasters that result from extreme storm development, like cyclones, have occurred throughout history; however, the growing strength of these storms represents the impact of global warming. The preservation of natural habitats, including mangrove forests and marshland habitats, is an important factor in promoting ecological health and protecting human life.

In addition to this, it should be recognised that when the ocean moves due to factors associated with the warming of the Earth, this should act as an early warning to encourage people to increase their level of preparedness and knowledge about their surroundings, as well as life-sustaining environments.

 If people respond positively to this information and act on it, they will better manage their lives and the environment both before and during a cyclone event.