New Delhi: ISRO satellites have been tracking the cyclonic storm Dana forming over the Bay of Bengal and moving towards the North East, at a speed of around 13 kilometres per hour. The cyclone is predicted to cross over Odisha and West Bengal, with wind speeds in the range of 100 to 110 kilometres per hour. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) or weather services has issued storm surge, wind and rain alerts in some districts in Odisha and West Bengal, and has advised fishermen not to venture out into the seas off the Odisha, West Bengal and Bangladesh Coasts till 25 October.
These predictions and alerts are supported by the sophisticated instruments on board multiple ISRO satellites that have been tracking the cyclonic storm right since it emerged on 20 October. EOS-06 launched in 2022 and in a polar orbit as well as the INSAT-3DR spacecraft in geostationary orbit are constantly tracking the cyclone. The scatterometer sensor on EOS-06 is allowing scientists to track the velocity and direction of the winds, much before the formation of the deep depression that gave rise to Cyclone Dana. The satellites help better monitor cyclones, and mitigate their impact to India.
ISRO developed its own forecasting technology
ISRO has developed its own systems forecasting natural disasters, including a methodology specifically for forecasting cyclone formation, tracking its movement, and measuring the intensity of its winds using satellite based observations. This methodology has been transferred to the India Meteorology Department, who are responsible for cyclone forecasts. The Space Applications Centre (SAC) has developed a model for cloud burst alerts as well as heavy rainfall, and is available to forecasters as well as researchers. ISRO’s North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) has developed the Flood Early Warning System (FLEWS), in association with the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), and is being used by the Central Water Commission as well.
