STH Stormwatch (24Oct2016) : Storm in bay intensifies into a DEEP depression

Update 1 (25Oct2016) :- Cyclone 'Kyant is born

This is the second cyclone in the Bay in 2016 after Cyclone 'Roanu'

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong
Dist Darjeeling

A tale of Two Cyclones : Cyclone 'Chapala' followed by Cyclone 'Megh' in the Arabian sea

Cyclones in the Arabian Sea are comparatively less frequent than those in the Bay of Bengal, and it is rare to see two cyclones in that area, riding bumper to bumper and heading towards the same region (ie the Yemen coast) all within a week!
Cyclone 'Megh' has now formed in the Arabian Sea, hard on the heels of 'Chapala' which dumped almost a decades' worth of rainfall in the deserts of war-torn Yemen a few days ago. The forecast track from JTWC show 'Megh' heading to the same region.

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling

Rainfall data Jun2015

The normal rainfall for June in Sub Himalayan W Bengal and Sikkim is 485.2mm and in the first half of Jun2015 we recd very little rainfall. From the 15Jun2015 onwards however, we more than made up in most places. Surprisingly Darjeeling received less than normal rainfall and it is pity that I do not have data for Kurseong or for Mirik (from reliable sources). (See 1 and 2 also)
Over 45 people died in the deluge of 30Jun2015 and many are still missing. In Kalimpong at least, where I have been around, many many places are on the verge of collapse and with still 2 months of rains to go, I am filled with a sense of dread.
Placed below is an image of a landslide on 30Jun2015, it took place quite near my home and it killed a young couple who had just got married.

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling

Images from Limbu Gaon : Mirik (Kurseong sub-division, Darjeeling)

As per authorities in Ting Ling Tea Estate (T.E), in Mirik they received 13" (330mm) of rainfall between 30Jun and 01Jul2015 and having measured 8.8" (224mm) of rainfall in my Symon's rainfall gauge at Kalimpong for the same period I find that phenomenal amount of rainfall in Mirik wholly believable. As per the authorities I spoke to, 19 deaths are confirmed at Limbu Gaon in the T.E, with 20 casualties being rescued.
The images above of NDRF and other para-military persons taking part in searching for the dead in the landslides were sent to me by Arvind Subba, a young volunteer who is himself taking part in the relief operations there.

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling

STH Stormwatch: Cyclone Hudhud upgraded from 'Severe' to 'Very Severe'

Updates (upto 10Oct2014) on track and information of Cyclone 'Hudhud' are here

Praful Rao,
Kalimpong,
Dist Darjeeling