Odisha's struggle and triumph: The cyclone story

On October 29, 1999, Odisha experienced one of the most catastrophic cyclones in its history when the Super Cyclone, also known as the Paradip Cyclone, struck with wind speeds reaching up to 250 km/h. The devastation was immense: approximately 10,000 people lost their lives, and countless homes were flattened, trees uprooted, and infrastructure destroyed. A significant factor contributing to the severity of the impact was the lack of sufficient disaster preparedness at that time.

Although cyclone warnings were issued as early as October 25, 1999, the state’s response was slow and inadequate. The intensity of the cyclone was severely underestimated, leading to insufficient evacuation and preparation measures. Poor communication infrastructure, the absence of effective early warning systems, and failures in coordinating relief efforts further worsened the crisis. Government complacency, combined with outdated scientific equipment for tracking the cyclone’s path, amplified the disaster's impact, displacing millions.

According to a 2000 government report, nearly 1.3 million hectares of paddy fields were ruined, alongside 176,000 hectares of vegetables and over 257,000 hectares of other crops. The fishing community also suffered great losses, with over 22,000 fishing nets and more than 9,000 boats rendered unusable. The loss of livestock was significant, with approximately 315,886 cattle, nearly 1.9 million poultry, and 316,372 other small animals perishing in the cyclone.

Building resilience: Lessons from the past

Odisha's experience with cyclones dates back decades, with over 100 tropical cyclones recorded in October, making it India’s most cyclone-prone coastal state. Despite this history of destruction, the state has honed its disaster management skills, receiving praise for its effective strategies in minimising casualties. The number of lives lost has dropped significantly in more recent cyclones. While over 10,000 people perished in 1999, fatalities in subsequent cyclones, such as Phailin (2013), Hudhud (2014), Titli (2018), and Fani (2019), have been reduced to double digits. This progress can be credited to proactive measures initiated after these disasters.

This development in disaster management highlights how coordinated efforts between communities and government can mitigate risks. The participation of local residents in drills and training has ensured they are ready to act effectively when needed. As Cyclone Dana approached, the state’s commitment to building resilient communities proved vital for protecting lives and livelihoods from climate-related threats. Continued investment in preparedness, infrastructure, and community engagement will be key to sustaining these improvements and bolstering resilience for future challenges.

Cyclone Dana: A test of preparedness and resilience

When Cyclone Dana hit Odisha, the state drew on lessons learnt from the 1999 Super Cyclone. The administration acted promptly, mobilising resources, conducting meetings, and deploying 385 rescue teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF). In just four days, about 600,000 people were evacuated, with special care taken for pregnant women to ensure safe transport to medical facilities. Cyclone Dana made landfall around midnight on October 25, 2024, affecting districts like Bhadrak, Kendrapara, Balasore, and Jagatsinghpur, which experienced wind speeds of 100-110 km/h and heavy rainfall.

The success of Odisha’s “Zero Casualty Mission” during Cyclone Dana is attributed to key factors. Under former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s leadership, disaster preparedness was prioritised, becoming an institutionalised practice supported by strategic resource allocation. Enhanced forecasting and predictive capabilities also played a major role, allowing accurate warnings that facilitated swift evacuations. These advancements, combined with comprehensive drills and the construction of cyclone shelters, equipped Odisha to drastically reduce casualties.

Conclusion

Odisha’s resilience in facing natural disasters showcases the importance of collective action and preparedness. Lessons from the 1999 Super Cyclone have fundamentally shaped the state’s disaster management strategies, fostering a culture of vigilance and solidarity. The preparations made ahead of Cyclone Dana illustrate these advancements and underscore the importance of sustained investments in infrastructure and early warning systems.

As Odisha continues to adapt to climate threats, maintaining momentum through education, community involvement, and innovative technologies is essential. By emphasising sustainability and fostering a sense of shared responsibility, the state can serve as an example for regions facing similar challenges. The path forward involves turning adversity into opportunity and ensuring that resilience becomes a fundamental aspect of life.