Colour-Coded Weather Warnings by IMD for Cyclone-Prone Areas
Intro:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues colour-coded weather warnings to alert the public and authorities in cyclone-prone and disaster-sensitive areas. These codes indicate severity levels and required preparedness actions.
Four Colour Codes & Their Meanings:
1. Green (No Warning):
- Condition: No significant weather expected.
- Action: No advisory; regular monitoring.
2. Yellow (Be Aware):
- Condition: Potentially adverse weather (heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms).
- Cyclone Context: Initial development or distant cyclone.
- Action: Stay alert, monitor updates, early preparedness.
3. Orange (Be Prepared):
- Condition: Severe weather expected (heavy to very heavy rainfall, strong winds, possible flooding).
- Cyclone Context: Cyclone likely to impact area within 24–48 hours.
- Action: Disaster management authorities initiate preparedness; public advised to secure essentials and avoid travel.
4. Red (Take Action):
- Condition: Extremely severe weather (extreme rain, flooding, storm surge, very high winds).
- Cyclone Context: Cyclone landfall imminent or occurring.
- Action: Evacuation, emergency response, full-scale disaster preparedness.
Significance in Cyclone Management:
- Enables timely response by disaster management authorities (NDMA, NDRF).
- Helps in public awareness and evacuation.
- Minimizes casualties and damage to life and property.
- Supports coordination with INCOIS, IMD, ISRO, and coastal states.
Conclusion:
IMD’s colour-coded cyclone warning system is a crucial tool for early warning, risk communication, and disaster mitigation in cyclone-prone regions of India, especially along the east coast, west coast, and island territories.
