Approach:

Introduction: Introduce the theme by defining cyclones with some data backing the statement of an increased occurrence of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.

Body: Explain the multiple factors contributing to the augmented occurrence of cyclones in the Arabian Sea and suggest disaster management steps to mitigate the impact of cyclones.

Conclusion: Conclude by providing some measures taken to mitigate the impact.

Answer:

A cyclone is a large, low-pressure weather system with winds that spiral inward around a central point. Indian cyclones are tropical cyclones that form in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.

A review study of the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, has revealed that the intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea has increased by 20-40% in recent decades.

Factors contributing to augmented cyclonic occurrences in the Arabian Sea:

1. Warming Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) in the Arabian Sea due to climate change provides a conducive environment for cyclone formation and intensification. Example: 0.7-degree rise in average temperature (1950-2018) as per IPCC 6th assessment report.

1. Changes in atmospheric circulation patterns, such as the strengthening or alteration of monsoon systems, can contribute to the increased occurrence of cyclones.

1. Variations in the strength and direction of winds, including the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and El Niño events, can create favourable conditions for cyclone development in the region.

1. Increased moisture content in the atmosphere, linked to rising temperatures, can enhance the potential for cyclone formation and intensification.

1. Changes in oceanic heat content and warm ocean currents, such as the Arabian Sea High, can provide the necessary energy for cyclone development and sustenance.

1. The interplay between local and global climate factors, including regional climate variability and natural climate oscillations, can influence the frequency and intensity of cyclones in the Arabian Sea.

1. Human-induced factors such as deforestation, urbanisation, and coastal development can impact local weather patterns and contribute to the augmented occurrence of cyclones in the Arabian Sea. 

Measures to mitigate the impact of cyclones (UN-HABITAT guidelines):

• Retrofitting Non-Engineered Structures: The settlements in non-engineered structures should ensure that they are aware of their houses’ resistance to the wind or certain disastrous weather conditions.
• Cyclone Sheltering: At national, state and regional levels, the construction of cyclone shelters should be taken up to help the vulnerable community from cyclones. The shelters should be built considering the population density, transportation and communication, distance from the affected areas of the past, and the areas’ topography.
• Flood Management: As cyclonic storms lead to heavy rainfall that further leads to flooding in various areas; importance should be given to flood management. The drainage systems should be well-designed to mitigate flooding. Participation both from the government and the local community is required for this. (Read about Floods in the linked article.)
• Vegetation Cover Improvement: To increase the water infiltration capacity, improving vegetation cover is of high importance. Planting trees in rows, coastal shelterbelt plantations, mangrove shelterbelt plantations, etc can help break the wind force and mitigate the severe losses. Example: Mangrove Plantation
• Awareness of the public: The participation of the community increases with the number of public awareness initiatives. Governments at all levels should initiate programs bringing awareness about natural calamities and making provisions for higher local participation in the mitigation process.
• Engineered Structures: The public infrastructure of the country should be designed keeping in mind the hazard mapping of the cyclone.

Mitigating the impacts of cyclones requires holistic and collaborative efforts from community and government institutions to minimise the damage caused by this hazard. Indian government’s initiatives like  National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project, Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project, and Early warning systems by IMD such as IFLOWS Mumbai are steps in the right direction.