The relentless fury of Cyclone Dana continued to lash the Odisha coast since midnight, bringing heavy rains and gusty winds that extended into parts of southern West Bengal. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the severe cyclonic storm was centered over the northern coastal region of Odisha, near the north-northwest of Dhamara and Habalikhati nature camp (Bhitarkanika). The landfall process, which began in the early hours of the morning, was expected to continue for another 1-2 hours. As the impact of Cyclone Dana unfolds across Odisha and West Bengal, it serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of nature and the vulnerability of coastal regions to these powerful storms.
While the current cyclone is causing significant disruption, it’s important to remember that India has a history of facing severe cyclones that have left an indelible mark on its history. Here’s a look back at some of the most devastating cyclones that have ravaged the country over the years:
The Super Cyclone of 1999:
This catastrophic event, often referred to as the Odisha Super Cyclone, remains etched in the collective memory of India as one of the worst cyclones in its history. The storm, with wind speeds reaching up to 260 km/h, unleashed widespread devastation, particularly in the coastal regions of Odisha. Over 10,000 lives were lost, and over 275,000 homes were destroyed, leaving millions homeless. The storm surge and subsequent flooding wreaked havoc on agricultural lands, leading to long-term economic consequences.Cyclone Phailin, 2013:
Although Phailin was an extremely severe cyclone, with wind speeds reaching 215 km/h, the government’s well-executed evacuation efforts significantly reduced the loss of life to only 45 people. However, the cyclone still caused considerable destruction to infrastructure, power grids, and crops in both Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. Millions of people were displaced, highlighting the immense challenge of managing such natural disasters.Cyclone Amphan, 2020:
This cyclone, one of the costliest in India’s history, left a trail of destruction in its wake, severely impacting Kolkata and other parts of West Bengal, as well as Odisha. The storm disrupted power, transport, and communication networks, causing an estimated $13 billion in damage. The wind speed of 185 km/h caused widespread destruction, resulting in the loss of 128 lives.Cyclone Tauktae, 2021:
Tauktae’s impact extended across several states on the western coast, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Karnataka. It caused significant damage to property, displaced tens of thousands of people, and led to the loss of over 150 lives, with the majority occurring in Gujarat. The cyclone’s wind speed reached 185 km/h, severely impacting offshore oil production operations.Cyclone Fani, 2019:
Fani, with wind speeds reaching 215 km/h, inflicted significant damage in the coastal areas of Odisha, as well as the neighboring states of West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh. The cyclone disrupted power, water supplies, and telecommunications. However, the loss of life was minimized to around 89 people due to timely evacuation efforts.The devastating impact of these cyclones underscores India’s vulnerability to tropical storms, especially in coastal regions. While advancements in weather forecasting, early warning systems, and large-scale evacuation efforts have significantly reduced casualties in recent years, the economic and infrastructural impacts remain substantial. These events serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for continued investment in disaster preparedness and resilience building to mitigate the devastating consequences of these natural disasters.