From Origin to Landfall: All You Need to Know about Cyclonic Storm 'Yaas'

Yaas: What's in a name?

In the year 2000, a group of 13 nations known as WMO/ESCAP (World Meteorological Organisation/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific) came up with a process of naming cyclones emerging from the north Indian Ocean, including the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. These 13 nations, of which India is a part, suggested 13 names each - thus forming a list of 169 names which were to be given to upcoming cyclones in the region. As per the list, the cyclone coming up next to Tauk'tae is named as 'Yaas'. The name 'Yaas' was suggested by Oman.

Origin, movement and landfall of the Cyclone

As is widely known, tropical cyclones occur over tropical oceans/seas because of warm and moist air that is trying to escape into the atmosphere. This creates a low pressure system, where the water and air meet. Cyclones then develop in these low air pressure areas. The greater the temperature difference, greater the low pressure and stronger the cyclone.

Yaas is expected to start forming in Bay of Bengal around May 22, 2021 from where it is expected to move northwestwards to reach Odisha. It is expected to make a landfall in Balasor (Odisha) on May 26, 2021. The most affected states, as predicted, will be coastal Odisha, West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh along with Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. You can check the precisely expected movement of the cyclone is in the video below:

Category and intensity

The Indian Meteorological Department categories cyclonic storms into five categories, based on the sustained wind speed caused by the cyclone. A detailed description of these categories is imminent from the picture below:

As per certain prediction models, the wind speeds caused by Yaas are expected to be in the range of 140 - 150 kmph, making it fall into the 'Very Severe Cyclonic Storm' category. To put things in perspective, the recent cyclone Tauk'tae was also in the same category of severity with sustained wind speeds in the range of 90 - 120 kmph at the time of landfall.

Evacuation and other measures by the state government

As per media reports, Odisha government has already issued guidelines to keep flood and cyclone shelters in readiness. Concerned departments have been asked to make preparations to ensure an unhindered drinking water supply as well as a detailed plan for clearing of roads, tree cutting and other anticipated restoration works. Animal and Fisheries department to create awareness in coastal belts to prevent entry of fishermen into the sea. Efforts will also be taken to ensure safe return of fishermen still in deep sea.

While the states of Odisha and West Bengal still shiver by the name of last year's cyclone Amphan, western coastal states of Kerala, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat are reeling by the wreck left behind by Tauk'tae. Amidst all this, may the entire community pray for well-being and protection against this brewing up giant.

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