Cyclone Dana, a severe cyclonic storm, impacted the Bay of Bengal region in October 2024, affecting parts of India and Bangladesh. Originating from a low-pressure area and rapidly intensifying, Cyclone Dana brought heavy rains, high winds, and subsequent destruction, particularly to West Bengal and Odisha. In this article, we’ll explore 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) related to the meteorological development, impacts, and preparedness around Cyclone Dana. Each question is accompanied by answers and explanations to deepen your understanding of this significant weather event.
Meteorological History and Formation
- When did Cyclone Dana first form as a low-pressure area?
- A) October 19, 2024
- B) October 20, 2024
- C) October 21, 2024
- D) October 22, 2024
Answer: B) October 20, 2024
Explanation: Cyclone Dana began as a low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal on October 20, 2024.
- Which body first monitored Cyclone Dana’s formation?
- A) Joint Typhoon Warning Center
- B) National Hurricane Center
- C) Indian Meteorological Department
- D) Bangladesh Meteorological Department
Answer: C) Indian Meteorological Department
Explanation: The Indian Meteorological Department initially tracked Cyclone Dana as a low-pressure area on October 20.
- In which sea did the cyclonic circulation that led to Cyclone Dana’s formation originate?
- A) Bay of Bengal
- B) Arabian Sea
- C) South China Sea
- D) Andaman Sea
Answer: D) Andaman Sea
Explanation: The cyclonic circulation that developed into Cyclone Dana originated over the Andaman Sea.
- On which date did Cyclone Dana develop into a severe cyclonic storm?
- A) October 23, 2024
- B) October 24, 2024
- C) October 25, 2024
- D) October 26, 2024
Answer: B) October 24, 2024
Explanation: Cyclone Dana intensified into a severe cyclonic storm on October 24, reaching peak intensity over the Bay of Bengal.
- What was the maximum wind speed of Cyclone Dana according to the 3-minute sustained wind scale?
- A) 80 km/h
- B) 100 km/h
- C) 110 km/h
- D) 130 km/h
Answer: C) 110 km/h
Explanation: The maximum 3-minute sustained wind speed of Cyclone Dana was recorded at 110 km/h.
Tracking and Intensity
- How close did Cyclone Dana approach Sagar Island on October 24, 2024?
- A) 190 km
- B) 270 km
- C) 320 km
- D) 420 km
Answer: B) 270 km
Explanation: Cyclone Dana approached within 270 km of Sagar Island on October 24, moving in a northwest direction.
- What was the peak pressure of Cyclone Dana?
- A) 984 hPa
- B) 995 hPa
- C) 978 hPa
- D) 960 hPa
Answer: A) 984 hPa
Explanation: The lowest recorded central pressure of Cyclone Dana was 984 hPa.
- At what speed did Cyclone Dana move just before it made landfall in Odisha?
- A) 7 km/h
- B) 10 km/h
- C) 12 km/h
- D) 15 km/h
Answer: C) 12 km/h
Explanation: Cyclone Dana was moving at approximately 12 km/h when it neared landfall in Odisha.
- What was the storm’s status according to the Saffir-Simpson scale at peak intensity?
- A) Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone
- B) Category 2-equivalent tropical cyclone
- C) Severe tropical storm
- D) Tropical depression
Answer: A) Category 1-equivalent tropical cyclone
Explanation: Cyclone Dana reached the equivalent of a Category 1 storm with 1-minute sustained winds of 130 km/h.
- Which satellite captured images of Cyclone Dana at 07:45 IST on October 25?
- A) INSAT
- B) NOAA
- C) Aqua
- D) GOES
Answer: A) INSAT
Explanation: The Indian INSAT satellite captured images of Cyclone Dana on October 25, documenting its position and intensity.
Landfall and Impact
- Where did Cyclone Dana make landfall in Odisha?
- A) Near Dhamra Port
- B) Near Bhubaneswar
- C) Near Paradip
- D) Near Gopalpur
Answer: A) Near Dhamra Port
Explanation: Cyclone Dana made landfall close to Dhamra Port and Habalikhati Nature Camp in Odisha.
- How many people were evacuated in Odisha in preparation for Cyclone Dana?
- A) 1.1 million
- B) 2 million
- C) 500,000
- D) 800,000
Answer: A) 1.1 million
Explanation: Around 1.1 million people were evacuated in Odisha to minimize the loss of life during Cyclone Dana’s landfall.
- What was the recorded rainfall in Paradip due to Cyclone Dana?
- A) 45 mm
- B) 62 mm
- C) 78 mm
- D) 90 mm
Answer: B) 62 mm
Explanation: Paradip recorded approximately 62 mm of rainfall during Cyclone Dana, leading to localized flooding.
- How many fatalities were reported in West Bengal due to Cyclone Dana?
- A) 3
- B) 4
- C) 5
- D) 6
Answer: B) 4
Explanation: West Bengal reported four fatalities, mostly due to electrocution incidents caused by Cyclone Dana.
- What was the primary cause of flooding in Kolkata?
- A) Overflowing rivers
- B) High tide
- C) Heavy rainfall
- D) Dam breach
Answer: C) Heavy rainfall
Explanation: Heavy rains exceeding 150 mm in Kolkata during Cyclone Dana led to severe waterlogging in various parts of the city.
Preparedness and Response
- Which agency deployed 288 rescue teams in Odisha?
- A) NDRF
- B) NDMA
- C) IMD
- D) ODRAF
Answer: A) NDRF
Explanation: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) deployed 288 rescue teams across Odisha to aid in evacuation and relief operations.
- What precaution did Kolkata Airport take due to Cyclone Dana?
- A) Closed terminals
- B) Canceled flights
- C) Increased surveillance
- D) Reduced runway capacity
Answer: B) Canceled flights
Explanation: Kolkata Airport canceled flights from the evening of October 24 until the morning of October 25 as a precaution against Cyclone Dana’s strong winds.
- Which organization assisted with power restoration in Kolkata post-cyclone?
- A) Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation
- B) West Bengal Power Development Corporation
- C) NTPC
- D) BHEL
Answer: A) Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation
Explanation: The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation mobilized 6,000 personnel and patrol vans to assist with power restoration after Cyclone Dana.
- How many people sought shelter in relief camps in West Bengal?
- A) 1.2 lakh
- B) 2.4 lakh
- C) 3 lakh
- D) 4 lakh
Answer: B) 2.4 lakh
Explanation: Approximately 2.4 lakh people took shelter in relief camps set up in West Bengal as Cyclone Dana approached.
- What action did the Indian Coast Guard take in response to Cyclone Dana?
- A) Issued cyclone warnings
- B) Evacuated coastal areas
- C) Mobilized vessels and aircraft
- D) Dispatched medical teams
Answer: C) Mobilized vessels and aircraft
Explanation: The Indian Coast Guard mobilized vessels and aircraft to provide emergency assistance during Cyclone Dana’s approach.
Cyclone Dana serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and devastating power of nature. By studying the formation, tracking, and response to such events, we can improve future preparedness and mitigate the impact on vulnerable regions. The above MCQs offer a comprehensive exploration of Cyclone Dana, fostering awareness and understanding of tropical cyclones and disaster management strategies.