The recent Cyclone Jawad hitting the eastern coast of India, especially Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, puts the spotlight back on India’s cyclone management strategies. Though the cyclone didn’t cause widespread damage due to its weakened state, it raised questions about the need for enhanced mitigation and preparedness measures as an integral part of India’s cyclone management approach.
Understanding Cyclones
Cyclones, originating from the Greek word ‘Cyclos,’ meaning the coils of a snake, are rapid air circulations around a low-pressure area. They have an anticlockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern hemisphere. Accompanied by severe storms and unpleasant weather, they often remind one of coiled sea serpents, a comparison made by Henry Piddington.
Types of Cyclones
Two categories exist – Tropical cyclones and Extra tropical cyclones. Tropical cyclones develop in areas between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer over tropical or subtropical waters. These large-scale weather systems become organized into surface wind circulation where winds exceed Gale Force (minimum of 63 km per hour). On the other hand, Extra tropical cyclones, also known as Temperate cyclones, middle latitude cyclones, Frontal cyclones, or Wave Cyclones, occur in temperate zones and high latitude regions and often originate in the Polar Regions.
India’s Response to Cyclones: A Case Study
India’s swift action during major cyclonic events like Cyclone Phailin (2012) and Fani (2019), has garnered global recognition. The Odisha state government’s mega evacuation drives following the Super Cyclone in 1999 have been instrumental in limiting human deaths. However, more focus needs to be put on responses apart from evacuation, such as crop damage minimization, assistance for fast harvest, and timely distribution of post-cyclone assistance.
Learning from Cyclone Jawad
With Cyclone Jawad, one can see that disaster response functions require more attention than just evacuation. As the cyclone hit during harvest time, there was premature harvesting and distress selling, indicating a need for better preparation.
Cyclone Mitigation and Preparedness Measures
Hazard Mapping can help assess cyclonic threats, while land use planning can ensure vulnerable areas are utilized for non-residential purposes. Engineered structures should be wind and water-resistant, especially those storing food supplies, and should potentially be built on stilts or earthen mounds for increased protection.
Cyclone Shelters are essential in areas frequently hit by cyclones. Their construction requires substantial funding supported by government or external donors. The selection of construction sites for these shelters should ideally employ the Geographical Information System.
As flooding invariably accompanies cyclonic storms, flood management through embankments along rivers, seawalls along coasts, and alternate drainage routes can mitigate the damage.
The Role of Mangroves and Community Participation
Mangrove plantations, which protect coastal regions from storm surges and winds, are another crucial mitigation measure. Communities can participate in these plantations, thereby aiding in erosion control and coastal conservation. In this context, public education and awareness about cyclones and their warning systems become paramount.
Government Initiatives for Cyclone Management in India
The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project and Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project are significant initiatives. Their focus is to reduce the cyclone’s impact and manage infrastructure projects in coastal states, respectively. Additionally, Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) have been designated to protect coastal areas susceptible to tidal influences. To alert people ahead of natural hazards, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has introduced color coding for cyclones.
To summarize, while evacuation remains critical in cyclone management, incorporating mitigation and preparedness measures can significantly reduce the adverse impact of such natural disasters.
