Cyclone Vardah

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Vardah
Very severe cyclonic storm (IMD scale)
Category 2 tropical cyclone (SSHWS)
Vardah at peak strength on 11 December
Formed December 6, 2016
Dissipated December 19, 2016
(Remnant low after December 13)
Highest winds 3-minute sustained: 130 km/h (80 mph)
1-minute sustained: 155 km/h (100 mph)
Lowest pressure 975 hPa (mbar); 28.79 inHg
Fatalities 38 total
Damage $5.1 billion (2016 USD)
Areas affected Thailand, Sumatra, Malaysia, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Sri Lanka, South India, Somalia
Part of the 2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Vardah was the fourth cyclonic storm, as well as the most intense tropical cyclone of the 2016 North Indian Ocean cyclone season. The system struck the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as well as South India.

Originating as a low pressure area near the Malay Peninsula on December 3, the storm was designated a depression on December 6. It gradually intensified into a Deep Depression on the following day, skirting off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and intensified into a Cyclonic Storm on December 8. Maintaining a generally westward track thereafter, Vardah consolidated into a Severe Cyclonic Storm on December 9, before peaking as a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm, with winds of 80 mph (130 km/h), and a minimum central pressure of 982 hPa (29.0 inHg), on December 11. Weakening into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, Vardah made landfall close to Chennai on the following day, and degenerated into remnant low on December 13.

The name Vardah, suggested by Pakistan, refers to the red rose.[1]

Meteorological history

Map plotting the track and the intensity of the storm, according to the Saffir–Simpson scale

Under the influence of a persistent area of convection, a low pressure area formed in the Malay Peninsula and adjoining north Sumatra, in early December 2016. The low pressure area emerged as a tropical disturbance over the next several days, as it slowly moved towards the southeast Bay of Bengal. On December 6, The IMD classified the system as Depression BOB 06, as it had sufficiently organized itself, with winds of 45 km/h (30 mph).[2] Owing to low wind shear and favorable sea surface temperatures, the storm gradually intensified into a Deep Depression on the following day.[3] Skirting off the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Deep Depression, BOB 06 was upgraded to a Cyclonic Storm by the IMD and JTWC, in the early hours of December 8, and was assigned the name Vardah.[4]

With conditions favorable for further development, Vardah intensified into a Severe Cyclonic Storm on December 9.[5] Although predicted to maintain its intensity, Vardah strengthened further, as it followed a generally west-northwestwards track, prompting the IMD to upgrade its intensity to a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm status, on December 10.[6] Gradually intensifying as it moved westwards, Vardah reached its peak intensity on December 11, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h (80 mph), the wind gusts reached to 193 km/h(130mph) according to IMD and a minimum central pressure of 982 mbar (29.00 inHg).[7]

On December 12, Vardah weakened into a Severe Cyclonic Storm, before making landfall over the eastern coast of India, close to Chennai, Tamil Nadu, with winds of 65 mph (105 km/h).[8] Afterward, it rapidly weakened into a depression, due to land interaction, on 13 December.[9] The depression caused overnight rainfall in Southern Karnataka on December 13. Due to land interaction, Vardah degenerated into a well-marked low on December 13, at around midday, local time.

The remnants of Cyclone Vardah crossed the Indian Subcontinent and entered the Arabian Sea on 14 December.[10] Owing to warm sea surface temperatures, the system consolidated into a depression on 17 December, with the IMD assigning the storm a new identifier, ARB 02.[11][12] On the next day, the system entered an area marked by colder sea surface temperatures and high wind shear, causing it to rapidly weaken into a well-marked low-pressure area, just off the coast of Somalia.[13][14]

Preparations and impact

Thailand

Vardah near Andaman and Nicobar Islands on December 8

The precursor low of Cyclone Vardah caused severe flooding in Thailand, affecting half a million residents in the country's southern provinces. By the end of the week, more than 300 millimetres (12 in) of rainfall was observed in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province of the country.[15] 14 people were reported to be killed due to the floods.[16]

Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) reported on November 6 that over 6,000 households had been affected by flooding in the central provinces of Kanchanaburi and Phetchaburi, and the southern provinces of Krabi and Satun. Heavy rain was also reported in the southern province of Ranong, where Ranong city recorded 77.3 mm (3.04 in) in a 24 hour period, from November 6 to 7 2016. A total of 59 villages in the four provinces were affected by floods. Landslides were also reported. Flooding in Phetchaburi city began on November 2, affecting around 2,000 households. Military personnel had been working with city officials, and the provincial disaster prevention and mitigation department, to drain water and distribute supplies to flooded areas.

However, additional heavy rain had fell in several areas across central parts of the country, with more flooding. Bangkok Post reported flooding in the central provinces of Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and Nakhon Pathom.

Indonesia

Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency, or BNPB reported that at least 7,300 people from 2,143 families were affected by flooding in five sub-districts in Aceh Jaya Regency, Aceh. Heavy rain fell beginning on December 6, causing flooding by early December 7, in the Jaya, Darul Hikmah, Indra Jaya, Sampoiniet, and the Setia Bakti Subdistricts. In some areas, flood waters were 1.5 m (4.9 ft) deep. Temporary shelters were set up for those displaced, and a joint team including Military, Aceh Police, Disaster Agency personnel, Red Cross ,and volunteers, worked in the area to ensure the health and safety of any flood victims. Banda Aceh recorded 71.5 mm (2.81 in) of rain in a 24-hour period, ending on December 8, 2016. Meulaboh recorded 70 mm of rain during the same period. Heavy rain also fell in the Riau Province, with Tanjung Pinang recording 110 mm (4.3 in), in a 24-hour period that ended on December 8.

Malaysia

Parts of Penang State of tamil nadu in Peninsular Malaysia had seen flooding and landslides on December 1. Heavy rain on December 7 caused landslides and flooding. The town of Teluk Bahang was the hardest hit. A landslide along a main road there left the town cut off. Local media reported that flood waters were as deep as 80 cm (2.6 ft) in some areas. Although the situation caused hardships and inconvenience for thousands of residents, as of 8 December, there are no reports of injuries, fatalities, displacements, or evacuations from Malaysia’s National Disaster Management Agency (Agensi Pengurusan Bencana Negara – NADMA).

South India

Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Vardah brought heavy rainfall to Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a Deep Depression. Hut Bay recorded 166 mm (6.5 in) of rainfall on December 6, while Port Blair recorded 167 mm (6.6 in) of rainfall on December 7.[17] More than 1,400 tourists were stranded on the Havelock and Neil islands of the archipelago, during the storm.[18] They were evacuated by the Indian Navy on December 9.

Tamil Nadu

Vardah making landfall over the coast of India

More than 16,000 people were evacuated from low-lying areas, as a result of Vardah. The Indian Armed Forces were kept on standby for any relief operations.[19] Two warships, INS Shivalik and INS Kadmatt, sailed out of Visakhapatnam to Chennai, carrying medical teams, divers, inflatable rubber boats, an integral helicopter, and material, including food, tents, clothes, medicines, and blankets to aid with relief efforts. Fifteen teams of the National Disaster Response Force were deployed in various coastal regions.[20]

Vardah crossed the eastern coast of India close to Chennai in the afternoon hours of December 12, 2016.[21] Winds were estimated at 65 mph (105 km/h) during landfall. The cyclone claimed over 18 lives, uprooted about 1 lakh trees in Chennai and its suburbs, and caused extensive damage to roads, supplies, and power infrastructure: over 10,000 electric poles were mangled and 800 transformers damaged. Carcasses of around 77 cows were found afloat in a lake in the Kancheepuram District. As many as 224 roads were blocked, and 24 huts were also damaged. More than ten people were reported to have been killed, due to events related to the storm.[22] Schools and colleges in Chennai and Kancheepuram were closed from December 12th to 19th , due to the cyclone.

Public transportation was severely affected by Vardah. Chennai International Airport was closed at least until 11:00 pm IST (5:30 pm UTC) on December 12, in the wake of the storm, leaving about 500 passengers stranded. The Indian Railways suspended operations of all 17 outstation trains originating from Chennai, and suburban railway services were also cancelled.[23] Chennai Metro services were also affected, after power was cut off, as a precaution by the TNEB.[24]

Aftermath

South India

As per the industry body Assocham, Tamil Nadu had to bear a loss of around Rs 6,749 crores, ($1 billion USD) due to Vardah. The chief minister has urged the Prime Minister to sanction Rs 1,000 crores from the national disaster response fund. The hurricane-strength of Vardah has resulted in severe damage to the buildings and properties, uprooted trees, and electric poles that resulted in power outages for days in the city. Additionally, the storm was so powerful that it overturned the vehicles parked on the roads as well. Moreover, the agriculture sector was also badly hit by the destructive cyclone, which damaged the banana plantations, papaya groves, rice paddies, and food products. The destructive cyclone claimed at least 18 lives in Chennai, and the Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram Districts. The monetary damage was also caused by the disrupted air, road, and rail traffic. The incessant rains and damaging winds caused the air and rail network to come to a standstill. Major flights to and from Chennai city were either delayed or canceled, thereby causing huge financial losses to the transportation industry. Moreover, the tourism industry of the capital city of Tamil Nadu also suffered a huge loss. The destructive winds led to a loss of approximately 20,000 banana crops; in addition, close to 136 trees were uprooted,approximately 5000 trees were fallen in the city of Chennai and its surrounding alone and 573 electric poles were toppled, leading to power outages in the city. The winds wreaked havoc, with close to 398 houses severely damaged, including 295 huts. Out of these 295 huts, 88 were reported to be completely destroyed. The gusty winds also did not spare the tiled houses, and close to 92 tiled houses were damaged, out of which 3 houses were completely devastated. The fury of Cyclone Vardah did not stop here; apart from taking 18 lives in Chennai, Kanchipuram, and Tiruvallur, six cattle and 5,000 poultry were also killed. Though the exact estimation of crops destroyed by the cyclone is still under assessment, as of December 2016, the initial study indicaters that approximately 250 acres of land for banana crops were damaged, in various parts of the district. According to the sources, the Regional Training Centre of Central Industrial Security Force at Thakkolam, also witnessed uprooting of 1,500 trees.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Sanyal, Anindita. "Name Of Cyclone 'Vardah' Given By Pakistan, Means A 'Red Rose'". NDTV. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  2. ↑ Kumar, Naresh. "Special Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean issued at 0600 UTC of 7 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  3. ↑ Katiyar, Shobhit. "Special Tropical Weather Outlook for North Indian Ocean issued at 1930 UTC of 7 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  4. ↑ Katiyar, Shobhit. "Tropical Storm Vardah Advisory Number One issued at 0300 UTC of 8 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  5. ↑ Srivastava, Akhil. "Tropical Storm Vardah Advisory Number Fifteen issued at 2000 UTC of 9 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  6. ↑ Ravindren, Shambu. "Tropical Storm Vardah Advisory Number Twenty One issued at 1500 UTC of 10 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  7. ↑ Singh, Charan. "Tropical Storm Vardah Advisory Number Twenty Eight issued at 1200 UTC of 11 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  8. ↑ Kumar, Naresh. "Tropical Storm Vardah Advisory Number Thirty Five issued at 1300 UTC of 12 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original on 12 December 2016. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  9. ↑ Katiyar, Shobhit. "BOB06/2016 Bulletin Number 48 issued at 0300 UTC of December 13, 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original on 13 December 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  10. ↑ "Tropical Weather Outlook for the North Indian Ocean Issued at 0600 UTC of 14 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  11. ↑ Gopal, Neetha. "Depression over southwest Arabian Sea" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  12. ↑ "Significant Tropical Weather Advisory for the Indian Ocean Issued on 16 December 2016". Joint Typhoon Warning Center. Archived from the original on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  13. ↑ Gopal, Neetha. "Special Tropical Weather Outlook for the North Indian Ocean issued at 0600 UTC of 18 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  14. ↑ Kumar, Naresh. "Special Tropical Weather Outlook for the North Indian Ocean issued at 1400 UTC of 18 December 2016" (PDF). India Meteorological Department. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 18 December 2016.
  15. ↑ Wright, Pam. "Severe Flooding Kills 14 in Thailand; Southern Tourist Islands Inundated". The Weather Channel. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  16. ↑ Fredrickson, Terry. "Southern floods continue, King gives aid". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  17. ↑ "Port Blair receives 76 mm in six hours, 1400 tourists stranded in Havelock". Skymet Weather. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  18. ↑ PTI. "At least 1400 tourists stranded due to heavy rainfall in the Andamans". The Indian Express. PTI. Retrieved 7 December 2016.
  19. ↑ Shukla, Shuchi. "2 Dead As Cyclone Vardah Strikes Near Chennai: 10 Updates". NDTV. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  20. ↑ "Cyclone Vardah makes landfall: Two killed in Tamil Nadu, life thrown off gear". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  21. ↑ "Cyclone Vardah: Chennai worst hit, limps back to normalcy - ChennaiVision". ChennaiVision. 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2016-12-13.
  22. ↑ Shukla, Shuchi. "2 Dead As Cyclone Vardah Strikes Near Chennai: 10 Updates". NDTV. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  23. ↑ "Cyclone Vardah makes landfall: Two killed in Tamil Nadu, life thrown off gear". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 12 December 2016.
  24. ↑ "EB issues advisory before restoring power supply - ChennaiVision". ChennaiVision. 2016-12-13. Retrieved 2016-12-13.
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