Characterization and impact assessment of super cyclonic storm AMPHAN in the Indian subcontinent through space borne observations

Abstract

Tropical cyclones can cause extensive damage in coastal regions as a result of high winds, storm tide, and intense rainfall. The West Bengal state in India was severely affected by a recent cyclonic storm 'Amphan' a 'super cyclone'with a high wind speed of above 220 km/h. The present study aimed to assess the impact of the cyclone Amphan in the potential impact zone covering the two states of India (Odisha and West Bengal) and the west coast of Bangladesh. The present study analyzed the land use land cover, rainfall variability, and potential storm surge along the cyclone track to assess the possible impact on the coastal landscape as well as community. The cyclone Amphan was formed in the Northern Indian Ocean near Equatorial Easterly wave over south Andaman Sea and adjoiningsoutheast Bay of Bengal (BoB) at 10° N 87° E on 16 May 2020 as deep depression and moved toward the north direction and had land fall at the coast of West Bengal on 20 May 2020 as an extremely severe cyclonic storm with the wind speed 155 km/h and central pressure of 960hpa.The cyclone devastated the coastal districts of West Bengal due to the high intensity of precipitation along with the extreme storm surge. About 100 people lost their lives and ~20 million people severely affected in West Bengal alone. Within the West Bengal state, around 7877 sq km area was observed under the potential storm surge zone. Cropland was observed as the most surge affected land cover with 5191 sq km area (65.9%), followed by wetlands (1635.2 sq km (20.75%) along with 38.34 sq km (0.48%)) of built up land under the potential surge impact zone The cyclone more severely affected the west Medinapur and South 24 Parganas, which were also the most affected by COVID-19 which resulted in slow evacuation, delay in medical support and concomitant increase in loss of life. The present study provided near real time cyclone hazard and risk assessment to help in prioritization of coastal mitigation and planning.