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Cyclone Yaas is the 96th tropical cyclone to strike Odisha in 130 years

The severe cyclonic storm Yaas, which made landfall in Odisha’s Balasore district on the morning of May 26, 2021, is the latest of the 96 tropical cyclones to hit the state in 130 years. As many as 541 tropical cyclones formed in the Bay of Bengal during the period, according to a study.
Balasore has been the site of landfall for 28 cyclones between 1891 and 2021, including Yaas, the highest for a district in Odisha. It is followed by Puri and Jagatsinghpur (20 each), Ganjam (13) Kendrapada (11) and Bhadrak (9) districts, said Pratap Kumar Mohanty, professor, marine science, Berhampur University.
Mohanty has extensively studied the annual frequency of tropical cyclones over the north India Ocean basins and their intensities. “As many 73 cyclonic storms and 23 severe cyclonic storms made landfall in Odisa during this period.”
Most of the cyclones (126) were formed in November, followed by October (94), May (64, including Yaas) and December (52).
“Nearly 35 per cent of all the cyclonic storms that have crossed the eastern coast of India have affected Odisha and the associated storm surges have often inundated large tracts of coastal districts,” said Odisha Economic Survey Report, 2018-19. It added:
There are two peaks of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal — the primary peak (October-December) and secondary peak (April-June). There has been a significant reduction in the number of tropical cyclones in a year over the north Indian Ocean basin between 1951 and 2018. But the frequency of very severe cyclonic storms during the post-monsoon season has increased significantly in the last two decades.
Despite a decreasing trend, the region still remains prone to extremely severe cyclones, said Union minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan told the Lok Sabha March 2021.
On an average, three to four out of five cyclones developing in the north Indian Ocean region make a landfall, causing loss of life and property. Low-lying coastal belts of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry are more prone to the impact of these systems, he had said.
In 2020, four of the five cyclones in the region made landfall over the Indian coast, killing 113 persons; in 2019, two of the eight cyclones made landfall and killed 105 persons; in 2018, three of the seven cyclones made landfall, killing 131 persons; in 2017, none of the three cyclones made the landfall; in 2016, only one of the four made landfall, killing six persons. Though the very severe Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 did not cross the coast, it claimed the lives of more than 200 fishers out in the sea, the minister said.
– Down to Earth
News
Navy conducts shipwreck expedition

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a successful shipwreck expedition from 10 to 17 Mar 25, focusing on historically significant shipwrecks located in the sea area off the coast of Colombo.
The expedition was carried out to document the current state of numerous shipwrecks lying beneath the waves, off Colombo. The survey included the Coal Wreck, Chief Dragon Car Carrier, MV Astoria, MT Nilgiri, Thermopylae Sierra, MV Pecheur Breton, Taprobane East Wreck, SS Worcestershire, Toilet Barge, SS Perseus and some other unidentified wrecks.
Navy divers explored a series of shipwrecks, including the historically significant SS Worcestershire and SS Perseus, both sunk during World War I. Beyond their historical value, the wrecks of the Chief Dragon Car Carrier and Thermopylae Sierra are now functioning as thriving artificial reefs, providing habitats for a variety of marine species.
A total of 14 diving officers and 15 diving sailors participated in this intensive shipwreck expedition. They used both atmospheric air and nitrox air mix as breathing agents, depending on depth and dive duration. This enhanced safety and efficiency, particularly for deeper and more complex dives.
As part of the “Clean Sri Lanka” programme, the Sri Lanka Navy has extended its all-out support to preserve the nation’s maritime heritage, while promoting the island as an appealing tourist destination. These efforts also reflect the Navy’s archaeological value through similar initiatives.
News
Health professionals’ strikes are unacceptable despite the largest salary increase given by a government as at date – President

President Anura Kumara Disanayake stated that the trade union actions by healthcare professionals cannot be justified, considering that the largest salary increase in history granted by a government without any demands or pressure from professional associations has already been implemented.
The President made these remarks during a meeting held on Wednesday (19) at the Presidential Secretariat with the Public Services United Nurses Union (PSUNU).
President Anura Kumara Disanayake highlighted that despite operating within a constrained economic framework, the government has prioritized increasing the basic salaries of public sector employees in this year’s budget. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of the public service, attract skilled professionals, and ensure the sustainability of the sector.
The President stated that salaries have been increased under six key categories in the budget. These include a minimum increase of Rs. 15,000 in the basic salary, an increment in overtime and holiday allowances, an 80% increase in salary increments, an upward revision of pension benefits in line with the revised total salary, and an increase in the taxable income threshold.
Officials from the PSUNU expressed their appreciation for the salary increments, highlighting that they have been well received by a significant portion of the public sector workforce. They also brought to the President’s attention the existing challenges within the nursing profession and requested prompt solutions to address these issues.
The meeting was attended by the Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Chief Sanganayaka of Western Province, the Chairman of PSUNU Most Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake along with several officials from the PSUNU.
News
VIP security: MR’s plea for restoration of military contingent dismissed

The Supreme Court yesterday (19) dismissed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s plea for restoration of his security contingent, consisting of military personnel, including commandos. The SC bench comprising Preethi Padman Surasena, Achala Wengappuli and Mahinda Samayawardhana dismissed the petition without taking it up for hearing.
The former President, in a rights petition, challenged the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s decision to reduce his security contingent to 60 personnel. The war-winning President alleged that the reduction had been done without proper evaluation.
The SC took up the case on February 6 and reconvened yesterday to review the petition.
Former Minister and President’s Counsel Ali Sabry appeared for the former President who filed the case on January 24.
Members of the Cabinet were named as respondents.
The former President alleged that his fundamental rights had been violated by depriving him of security provided by the military.
Rajapaksa, who played a key role in ending the country’s nearly three-decade-long war, expressed concerns about ongoing threats to his life, including potential terrorist threats.
The former President requested the Court to determine that his fundamental human rights were violated by the arbitrary reduction of his security contingent.
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