Odisha’s Vulnerability to Natural Calamities
Odisha, with its expansive coastline along the Bay of Bengal, is highly vulnerable to natural calamities, particularly cyclones and floods. The state has faced numerous severe storms over the years, leaving a lasting impact on its infrastructure, economy, and the lives of millions. Since the devastating super cyclone of 1999, which claimed at least 10,000 lives, Odisha has made significant strides in disaster management. However, the recent impact of Cyclone Dana serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for preparedness and infrastructure.
Impact of Cyclone Dana on Odisha
Cyclone Dana, which struck Odisha in late October, has severely affected over 4.1 million residents, impacting 11,637 villages across 14 districts. According to Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, initial assessments estimate the damage at approximately Rs 600 crore, with Balasore, Bhadrak, and Kendrapara among the worst-affected districts. Significant losses have also been reported in Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, and Cuttack.
The damage has been extensive, particularly to infrastructure, with the Energy Department reporting the highest level of destruction. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of damage, and compensation disbursement for crop and individual losses will commence shortly. Once finalized, the damage report will be submitted to the central government for additional funding.
New Initiatives for Enhanced Preparedness
In response to the devastation caused by Cyclone Dana, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the construction of 500 new multi-purpose buildings designed to serve as emergency shelters during disasters. These buildings will double as schools and community centers, providing year-round utility to local communities. This expansion builds on the state’s existing 844 cyclone shelters, a drastic increase from the 21 shelters available during the 1999 cyclone.
Odisha is also investing in its disaster response capabilities by raising 10 new teams for the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), a specialized unit dedicated to providing swift, efficient aid during crises. Currently, ODRAF consists of 20 teams trained in search and rescue operations.
Mangrove Forests and Environmental Protection
In addition to infrastructure, Odisha is prioritizing natural defenses against storms. The recent cyclone demonstrated the effectiveness of mangrove forests in Bhitarkanika National Park, which helped mitigate the storm’s impact by reducing wind speed. Recognizing the protective role of these forests, the state government plans to expand mangrove coverage along the coast, enhancing natural resilience against future cyclones.
Strengthening Tsunami Preparedness
Odisha has also identified the need to prepare for other natural disasters, including tsunamis. Presently, only 26 coastal villages are designated as “tsunami-ready.” The state plans to expand this initiative to 381 villages, equipping more communities to withstand potential tsunami impacts through training, early warning systems, and evacuation plans.
Establishment of Disaster Management Centre in Bhubaneswar
To bolster its disaster response framework, Odisha will soon set up a Natural Disaster Management Centre in Bhubaneswar. This center will serve as a command hub for monitoring and managing disasters, enabling timely and coordinated responses to cyclones, floods, and other emergencies.
A Forward-Looking Approach to Disaster Management
Odisha’s experiences with frequent natural disasters have positioned it as a leader in disaster preparedness. With the recent destruction caused by Cyclone Dana, the state is accelerating its efforts to protect both its people and infrastructure through a comprehensive approach that includes both physical structures and natural defenses. The proactive measures announced by Chief Minister Majhi underscore a long-term vision to create a safer Odisha, one that can face future disasters with resilience and preparedness.
(With inputs from agencies)
