Tropical Cyclones  

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The extensive coastal belt of India is very vulnerable to the deadly storms known as tropical cyclones. About 4 to 6 such storms originate in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea every year.Tropical cyclones, which are characterised by torrential rain, gales and storm surges, cause heavy loss of human lives and destruction of property. They also result in extensive damage to standing crops and loss of cattle.

It has always been the endeavour of the India Meteorological Department to minimise the losses of life and property due to tropical cyclones by providing early warnings. Cyclone warning is one of the most important functions of IMD. The cyclone warning service of IMD is more than a century old.