Introduction

Cyclone Amphan, pronounced "UM-PUN," emerged as a formidable tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal in
May 2020. It rapidly intensified into a super cyclonic storm, making it the first such event in the Bay of Bengal
since the 1999 Odisha cyclone. Its trajectory and intensity rendered it one of the most powerful cyclones to affect
the North Indian Ocean region, specifically impacting the Indian states of West Bengal and Odisha, as well as
Bangladesh. This report delves into the cyclone's formation, the preparation and response strategies, and its
significant ecological, environmental, and economic impacts, with a particular focus on West Bengal.

Cyclone Formation and Development

Cyclone Amphan originated from a low-pressure area that formed over the southeastern Bay of Bengal and the
South Andaman Sea on May 13, 2020. By May 16, the system had developed into a depression, designated as BOB
01 by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). It rapidly intensified into a cyclonic storm on May 17, and by
May 18, it had evolved into a severe cyclonic storm. The cyclone reached the category of an extremely severe
cyclonic storm by May 19, with maximum sustained winds of 155 km/h (96 mph) at landfall. The storm made
landfall on May 20, 2020, between Digha in West Bengal, India, and the Hatiya Islands in Bangladesh, before
weakening and dissipating over the North Bay of Bengal on May 21.

Preparation and Response

In anticipation of Cyclone Amphan, extensive preparation and response measures were undertaken. The chief
ministers of West Bengal and Odisha reviewed evacuation procedures, and power supplies were preemptively cut
off in vulnerable areas, except for critical facilities such as hospitals and fire stations. The National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) and Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) teams were deployed to assist
with preparations. Additional units were on standby, ready for airlift to affected areas if necessary.

Given the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE) and N95 masks were mandated
for first responders to ensure their safety. The Indian Navy prepared for relief operations by sending a diving team
and alerting naval ships in Kolkata. Fishermen were advised to halt operations, and transportation networks,
including roads and railways, were suspended or redirected. Evacuation plans were implemented for low-lying
areas, and small boats were advised against due to the high risk.

Ecological Impact

Cyclone Amphan caused significant ecological damage in the affected regions. In West Bengal, extensive damage
was inflicted on vegetation, including palm and coconut trees. Tall, tangled trees were uprooted, and large-scale
destruction of standing crops, plantations, and orchards was observed. This widespread deforestation and
destruction of vegetation had immediate consequences on local biodiversity and ecological balance.

The cyclone also disrupted coastal and marine ecosystems. The powerful winds and storm surge pulled large ships
and boats from their moorings, indicating a disturbance in marine environments. The destruction of coastal
 vegetation and mangroves further exacerbated soil erosion and habitat loss, impacting both terrestrial and aquatic
life.

Environmental Impact

The environmental repercussions of Cyclone Amphan were profound. The cyclone's high winds and heavy rains
caused extensive soil erosion, leading to degradation of land quality. This erosion not only affected agricultural
productivity but also contributed to sedimentation in water bodies, further impacting aquatic ecosystems.

The extensive debris and pollution resulting from the cyclone, including uprooted trees, damaged infrastructure, and
accumulated waste, posed additional environmental challenges. The accumulation of debris in rivers and coastal
areas exacerbated pollution, affecting water quality and aquatic habitats.

Economic Impact on West Bengal

Cyclone Amphan's economic impact on West Bengal was severe, reflecting a multifaceted crisis affecting
infrastructure, housing, agriculture, and the local economy. The cyclone caused extensive damage to both pucca
(solid) and kutcha (temporary) constructions. The destruction of power and communication poles led to widespread
disruptions in connectivity and services. Rail and road networks were severely impacted, hampering transportation
and trade.

Agricultural losses were substantial. The cyclone destroyed crops and plantations, severely affecting the agricultural
sector. Palm and coconut trees, which are crucial for local economies, were devastated. The destruction of these
crops led to economic strain on farmers and disruption in local food supplies. The loss of agricultural productivity
also had long-term implications for regional food security and economic stability.

Conclusion

Cyclone Amphan's impact on the Bay of Bengal region, particularly West Bengal, was profound and far-reaching.
As one of the most intense cyclones to affect the area in recent history, it brought significant challenges across
ecological, environmental, and economic dimensions. The extensive damage to vegetation, soil erosion, and
infrastructure, coupled with the economic toll on agriculture and housing, highlighted the need for robust disaster
management and preparedness strategies. The response efforts, including evacuation, relief operations, and post-
cyclone recovery, were crucial in mitigating the cyclone's immediate effects and laying the groundwork for long-
term recovery and resilience.

Cyclone Amphan's legacy underscores the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of
increasingly frequent and intense tropical cyclones. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by
coastal and riverine communities and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted impacts of
such natural disasters.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197602/

Impact of Cyclone Amphan

Cyclone Amphan had a profound impact on the landscape and ecosystems of eastern India and Bangladesh, with varying
intensities across different land use categories. The distribution of damage following the cyclone's landfall is summarized
as follows:

Affected Areas by Land Use

Agricultural Land:

The most significantly impacted area, accounting for 78.2% of the total affected land.

In the closest proximity to the cyclone's trajectory (<2 km), agricultural land suffered damage over 1,668.79 km².

Inland Water Bodies:

Affected 9.3% of the area, highlighting the cyclone's impact on freshwater resources.

Forest Cover

Represented 7.0% of the affected areas, with about 35.2 km² of forest cover severely impacted.

Mangroves:

Affected 3.8%, with approximately 36.7 km² experiencing severe to very high levels of impact.

Despite the damage, mangroves played a crucial role in mitigating the cyclone's effects by reducing wind speeds and dissipating wave energy
during storm surges.

Built-Up Areas:

Constituted 1.4% of the total area impacted, particularly in densely populated regions, amplifying the cyclone’s destructive potential due to
structural vulnerabilities.

Other Areas:

Included barren lands and water bodies, which accounted for 0.3% of the total affected area.

Proximity and Severity of Impact

The zone within 2 km of the cyclone's trajectory experienced the most severe damage, totaling 2,033 km². This area, while smaller,
exhibited catastrophic impacts, especially on agricultural and forest lands.

 In contrast, areas further from the trajectory showed extensive but less severe damage:

o 5–10 km zone: 10,268 km² affected

o 10–20 km zone: 21,160 km² affected

Urban Impact

 The Kolkata metropolitan region, falling within the 10–20 km affected zone, experienced significant destruction, particularly in its
southern and eastern urban and suburban areas. The high population density and diversity of built structures contributed to the extensive
damage.

Mangrove Resilience

 The Sundarbans, one of the world's largest mangrove ecosystems, covered an area of approximately 3,703.77 km² that was impacted.
The strong structural integrity of mangrove plants provided essential protection against the cyclone's winds and waves, highlighting their critical
role in coastal defense.

Conclusion

Cyclone Amphan’s impact was multifaceted, severely affecting agricultural lands and contributing to ecological damage
while also highlighting the resilience provided by mangrove systems. Understanding the extent of this damage is essential
for developing strategies for future disaster preparedness and ecosystem management, emphasizing the need to protect and
restore coastal ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of such natural disasters.

Consequences of Cyclone Amphan in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The passage of Cyclone Amphan in May 2020 occurred during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, creating a complex crisis
that affected disaster response and public health. The challenges faced during this dual crisis highlighted the vulnerabilities
of affected regions, particularly in India and Bangladesh.

Evacuation and Shelter Management

In anticipation of the cyclone, state governments in Odisha and West Bengal implemented evacuation protocols while
adhering to COVID-19 safety measures. Key measures included:

 Reduced Shelter Capacity: In Odisha, shelters operated at 33% capacity, and in West Bengal, only 40% of the available shelters (500,000
capacity for a population of 200,000) were utilized. This approach aimed to maintain physical distancing among evacuees.
 Temporary Shelters: Governments established temporary shelters in schools, community centers, and medical facilities to accommodate
displaced populations while ensuring safety protocols.

Bangladesh also managed effective evacuation strategies, providing 12,000 temporary shelters with a capacity for 5.19
million people to safely house 2.2 million evacuees, ensuring food and emergency supplies.

Impact on Public Health

Despite effective evacuation efforts, the cyclone's aftermath saw a significant rise in COVID-19 infections:

 Odisha: Infections rose by 76.2%, from 978 to 1,723 cases.

 Bangladesh: A 70.6% increase occurred, with cases rising from 25,121 to 42,844.
 West Bengal: Cases increased by 62.5%, from 2,961 to 4,813, with notable spikes in regions like Howrah (60.4%), South 24 Parganas
(43.3%), and North 24 Parganas (38.6%).

These increases can be attributed to the challenges of maintaining social distancing during evacuations, potentially
compromising COVID-19 preventive measures.

Compounded Crisis

The overlap of Cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic created a compounded crisis that strained public health
systems and disaster response mechanisms:

 Challenges to Preparedness and Mitigation: The need for rapid evacuation and sheltering conflicted with the established COVID-19
protocols, leading to heightened risks of virus transmission.
 Increased Vulnerability: The dual nature of the crisis tested the resilience of communities and systems already strained by the pandemic,
resulting in a severe public health challenge.

Conclusion

The simultaneous occurrence of Cyclone Amphan and the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity for integrated
disaster response strategies that address both environmental hazards and public health crises. The lessons learned from this
experience highlight the importance of preparedness and flexibility in emergency management, ensuring that public health
considerations are integrated into disaster response plans to safeguard communities against overlapping hazards.

IMD: The Super Cyclonic Storm (SuCS) "Amphan," the first of its kind over the Bay of Bengal since
1999, originated from a low-pressure area near the Equatorial Easterly wave on May 13, 2020. It
intensified into a depression on May 16, evolving into a Cyclonic Storm by the evening. Over the
next 24 hours, it underwent rapid intensification, reaching SuCS status on May 18. Amphan
made landfall across West Bengal and Bangladesh on May 20, with maximum sustained winds of
155–165 km/h, affecting millions before weakening to a depression by May 21. Its impact was
significant in both regions.
conomic Impact
Cyclone Amphan inflicted substantial damage on agricultural lands, which comprised a staggering 78.2% of the total
affected areas. In the immediate vicinity of the cyclone’s trajectory, agricultural land suffered over 1,668.79 km² of
devastation, leading to significant economic repercussions for farming communities. The impact extended to built-up areas,
where 1.4% of the total area was affected, particularly in densely populated regions, exacerbating structural vulnerabilities
and amplifying the cyclone’s destructive potential. The economic fallout from disrupted livelihoods, particularly in
agriculture, necessitates urgent strategies for recovery and resilience.

Ecological Impact
The ecological consequences of Cyclone Amphan were profound, with various ecosystems experiencing varying degrees of
harm. Inland water bodies were affected over 9.3% of their area, showcasing the cyclone's toll on freshwater resources.
Forest cover suffered a loss of about 35.2 km², representing 7.0% of impacted areas. The mangrove ecosystems, though
affected in 3.8% of their coverage, played a crucial role in mitigating the cyclone's effects by reducing wind speeds and
dissipating wave energy. The resilience of the Sundarbans, one of the largest mangrove ecosystems, underscored the
importance of these habitats in coastal defense and their role in ecological balance following such disasters.

Environmental Impact
The environmental repercussions of Cyclone Amphan extended beyond immediate damage, affecting oceanic conditions as
well. Changes in sea surface salinity and temperature dynamics were noted, driven by vertical mixing and precipitation
during the storm. The biological response of the upper ocean saw phytoplankton blooms fueled by nutrient-rich upwelled
waters, stimulated by the cyclone’s strong winds and Ekman transport. This intricate interplay between cyclones and ocean
dynamics highlights the necessity for localized studies to understand the comprehensive effects on both physical and
biological parameters. As cyclonic events become more frequent and intense, understanding these dynamics is essential for
enhancing disaster preparedness and developing effective management strategies in vulnerable coastal regions.

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Cyclone Amphan claimed 129 lives and displaced 4.9 million people, marking it as the most devastating cyclone of 2020
with over $13 billion in damages across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The overwhelming flooding inundated
approximately 2,233 km², severely impacting agricultural lands, with up to 66% of cropland in India affected. Critical
health infrastructure, already strained by the COVID-19 pandemic, suffered extensive damage, exacerbating public health
risks. Additionally, mangrove forests, vital for coastal protection, saw a reduction of up to 43%, compounding the
vulnerability of local communities as essential roads and embankments were compromised.

Food and water security in the Sundarbans were critically undermined by Cyclone Amphan. With about 44% of households
already facing food insecurity, the loss of livelihoods and disrupted supply chains exacerbated the crisis. Many relied on
public food distribution and NGOs for essential rations, but inefficiencies and corruption were reported. Long-term
saltwater intrusion poses serious risks to agriculture, leading 63% of surveyed individuals in Bangladesh to expect food
shortages.

The cyclone also damaged water infrastructure, destroying pipelines and leaving over 18,000 water points in Bangladesh
nonfunctional. This forced people, especially women, to travel long distances for drinking water. The contamination and
increased salinity of groundwater, worsened by rising sea levels and human activities, threaten both water security and
public health. Studies have linked high salinity levels to health issues, highlighting the connection between water quality
and overall health, with subsequent outbreaks of diseases due to inadequate sanitation and hygiene following the cyclone.

Cyclone Amphan severely impacted livelihoods in the Sundarbans, where many households rely
on aquaculture and agriculture. Flooding and saltwater inundation destroyed crops and
aquaculture ponds, risking long-term income loss. The region, which accounts for about 30% of
India’s fish production, saw the death of 4,000 tonnes of fish and shrimp, resulting in over $200
million in losses. Additionally, tourism and betel vine crops were disrupted, compounding
economic challenges as food prices surged while purchasing power decreased.
Cyclone Amphan significantly worsened biodiversity loss in the Indian Sundarbans, damaging
around 28% of its mangrove forests and destroying approximately 1,200 km². An estimated 69%
of shorelines faced erosion, threatening habitats for endangered species like the Ganges river
dolphin and the Royal Bengal tiger. As mangrove cover decreases, wildlife increasingly
encounters humans, raising the risk of conflict. The cyclone also damaged notable natural
landmarks, including the historic Green Banyan Tree in Kolkata.