‘MINI-TORNADO’ TRIGGERS POLITICAL CONTROVERSY IN JALPAIGURI AHEAD OF UPCOMING ELECTIONS.

Why in the news?

‘Mini-tornado’ sparks political debate in Jalpaiguri as Trinamool and BJP clash over relief efforts amidst upcoming elections.

source:scribd

 About the ‘Mini-Tornado’ in Jalpaiguri:

  • On April 2, a storm, termed a ‘mini-tornado,’ struck Barnish village in Jalpaiguri, killing five and rendering many homeless.
  • Trinamool Congress seized upon the calamity as a rallying point ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
  • CM Mamata Banerjee visits the affected area but cites Model Code of Conduct for delay in house repairs.
  • BJP leaders also visit, but Trinamool questions PM Modi’s absence and pledges assistance despite political constraints.
What is Tornado ?

  • Rotating column of air from thunderstorms, called waterspout over the sea.
  • Warm, moist air collides with dry, cool air, forming tornadoes.
  • Wind speeds range from 105 to 322 km/h.

Occurrence and Location:

  • Common in middle latitudes, most prevalent in the US, Argentina, and Bangladesh.
  • In India, rare but seen in eastern states like West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand during pre-monsoon period.

Monitoring and Recording:

  • No official monitoring of tornadoes in India.
  • Note:The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recorded a recent tornado in West Bengal.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/trinamool-uses-mini-tornado-to-kick-up-a-storm-in-jalpaiguri/article68075673.ece