India has made remarkable strides in disaster preparedness, especially in handling cyclonic storms. This progress was evident in the response to the recent Cyclone Dana in the Bay of Bengal. Both Odisha and West Bengal, placed on high alert, successfully avoided human casualties by evacuating nearly five lakh vulnerable residents. Over the past few decades, India’s capacity to forecast, monitor, and respond to cyclonic threats has saved countless lives, marking a significant shift from the devastating outcomes of similar events in earlier years. This achievement reflects an impressive combination of technological advancements, proactive government policies, and community-centered disaster response strategies. The key factors behind India’s success in minimizing human losses during cyclonic storms. Historically, India has been highly vulnerable to cyclones, especially in its eastern coastal states. Cyclones such as the 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone, which claimed over 10,000 lives, revealed the immense risk faced by coastal populations and the limitations in disaster response mechanisms at the time. The overwhelming scale of human loss and the destruction caused by these storms underscored the need for a robust national strategy to mitigate the impact of such natural disasters.
One of the most significant factors in India’s improved disaster response is the advancement in forecasting technology. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has emerged as a leader in cyclone forecasting, providing real-time data and precise warnings well ahead of landfall. In the early 2000s, India began investing heavily in modern weather forecasting systems, including satellite technology and advanced radar stations. The INSAT series of satellites and Doppler radars along the coastline have greatly enhanced the accuracy of cyclone predictions. These advancements allow the IMD to monitor cyclone formation, track its path, and predict landfall with impressive precision. Such early and accurate predictions are invaluable as they give state authorities and communities sufficient time to prepare and respond. Equally transformative is the improvement in communication channels that ensure timely dissemination of warnings to even the most remote areas. The IMD’s real-time alerts are shared via multiple media, from television and radio to mobile notifications and social media. Regional disaster management agencies and local administrations have developed reliable networks to inform coastal and vulnerable populations of impending threats, prompting swift action. Such immediate communication has been instrumental in evacuating thousands from at-risk areas.
The government’s proactive stance and the efficient coordination between central and state agencies have also been pivotal. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), established in the mid-2000s, are at the forefront of coordinating large-scale evacuations, deploying relief materials, and preparing for post-cyclone rehabilitation. States like Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, particularly vulnerable to cyclones, have developed extensive evacuation plans. State agencies conduct mock drills, educate communities about safety protocols, and manage cyclone shelters effectively. Moreover, India has made strides in strengthening infrastructure and resources for emergency response. Cyclone shelters, built across coastal areas, are constructed to withstand powerful storms, equipped with supplies, and able to house large numbers of evacuees. Additionally, the NDRF, state disaster response forces, and civil society organizations have been trained to respond swiftly. For instance, during Cyclone Fani in 2019, over a million people were evacuated within 24 hours, preventing what could have been a catastrophic loss of life. This well-coordinated response was a testament to the government’s focus on disaster resilience. Furthermore, the evolution of India’s approach to cyclones reflects a coming of age in disaster preparedness and resilience, paving the way for safer, more secure coastal communities.
