How is a Super Cyclone different from a regular one?

A powerful cyclone tore into eastern India and Bangladesh on Wednesday, destroying mud houses and embankments and whipping up a storm surge along the coast, officials said, after millions of people were moved out of its path. Super Cyclone Amphan became the strongest storm ever recorded in the Bay of Bengal on May 18, after intensifying with sustained wind speeds of up to 270 kmph. Amphan has weakened slightly since, but the storm is still being designated as an ‘extremely severe cyclone’.

Super cyclone refers to tropical storm, where wind speeds cross 220 kmph. Cyclones are “multi-hazard” occurrences: strong winds cause physical damage; and tidal waves and heavy rains cause flooding.

What causes a tropical cyclone?

Tropical cyclones, hurricanes or typhoons form when convection causes warm, moist air above the ocean to rise. They begin as a group of storms when the water gets as hot as 27 °C or hotter. The Coriolis effect made by the Earth’s rotation causes the winds to rotate.

History of Super Cyclones in Odisha

Orissa was battered by a Super Cyclonic Storm on October 29, 1999, that made landfall near Paradip. The estimated maximum wind speed reached 260-270 kmph in the core area. Agencies