The number of severe cyclones in the North of Indian Ocean has increased in recent years. According to the data released by the ministry, the cyclone has intensified in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal. Besides that, heavy rains of more than 20 cm were also recorded due to torrential rains, the ministry said.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences in its reply to the Rajya Sabha, on Wednesday, September 16 said that between 1891 and 2017, an average of five cyclones formed in the North of Indian Ocean every year. However, in 2018 and 2019, this team witnessed an increase in the number, where seven cyclones were recorded in 2018 and eight in 2019.
Furthermore, five of last year's hurricanes formed in the Arabian Sea, and their numbers began to increase by one year, from 1902 onwards
The ministry had also said earlier that the number of severe cyclones will increase in 2019. Of the seven cyclones that formed in 2018, six were of severe intensity, and seven of last years' eight were of severe intensity. Although the number of severe cyclones has increased, the risk of damage after 2013 has been limited to double digits.
Moreover, in response to the increase in torrential rains over the last few years, the ministry said 554 meteorological stations across the country received heavy rainfall (more than 20 cm) last year. Out of 4,000 meteorological stations in the country, 3056 recorded heavy rainfall. In contrast, in 2017, torrential rains were recorded at 261 centres, and excess rainfall was recorded at 1,284 centres.
According to the ministry, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has shown excellent ability to warn cyclones as early as possible. His work has been praised nationally and globally, and this accuracy has reduced the number of deaths as well.
In a report released this year, the Ministry of Earth Sciences said that the incidence of excess rainfall in the country has increased since 1950, however, areas have also seen a reduction in moderate rainfall. In addition, according to a study by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), torrential rains in the west coast and central India tripled between 1950 and 2005.