The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues colour-coded weather warnings to inform the public about the severity of an impending cyclone in cyclone-prone areas. The warnings are issued based on the expected wind speed and the potential impact on the region.
The IMD uses 4 colour codes:
Green (All is well): No advisory is issued.
Yellow (Be Aware): Yellow indicates severely bad weather spanning across several days. It also suggests that the weather could change for the worse, causing disruption in day-to-day activities.
Orange (Be Prepared): Orange indicates extremely bad weather with the potential of disruption in communication and power supply, damage to crops and property, and risk of road and rail accidents. It also advises people to prepare for evacuation and stock up on essential items.
Red (Take Action): Red indicates the highest level of warning with a high likelihood of heavy loss of life and extensive damage. It urges people to take action and follow the instructions of local authorities and disaster management agencies.
The colour-coded warnings are mainly a part of the preparedness program for handling a natural disaster like a cyclone. The main objective of the colour codes is to alert people of hazardous weather conditions which have the potential to damage properties and lives.