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Loss and Damage from Cyclones
Facing the constant threat of cyclones, the East Coast of India bears the brunt of these powerful storms, causing widespread loss and damage. With the increasing global temperatures making cyclone forecasting more challenging, it becomes crucial to understand the impact of these storms and work towards building a resilient society.
Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal: A Looming Danger
The Bay of Bengal witnesses an average of 5-6 cyclones each year, contributing significantly to the world's tropical cyclones. Despite the seemingly low number, cyclones in this region lead to a disproportionately high death toll due to their intense characteristics, including strong winds, heavy precipitation, and storm surges. These storms wreak havoc on agriculture, properties, and livelihoods, resulting in substantial economic losses.
Historical Losses and Damages
Due to favorable geographical and atmospheric conditions, the Bay of Bengal experiences more cyclones than the Arabian Sea. Instances like Cyclone Fani in 2019, Cyclone Phailin in 2013, and the devastating Odisha cyclone in 1999 have caused immense economic losses, impacting hundreds of thousands of homes and causing billions of dollars in damages.
Cyclone Amphan, a recent powerful cyclone, inflicted a colossal 1 trillion rupees ($13 billion) in damages to infrastructure and crops in West Bengal.
Facing the Ongoing Threat: Cyclones in Andhra Pradesh
As Andhra Pradesh prepares for Cyclone Michuang, the state grapples with a long history of cyclonic storms. Over the years, 184 cyclones, including depressions, have crossed the coast from 1891 to 2019, making it prone to at least one cyclone annually, with the peak during October and November. The state, with millions of vulnerable inhabitants near the coastline, faces moderate to severe cyclones every two to three years, resulting in substantial damage.
Since 1975, Andhra Pradesh has endured more than 60 cyclones, experiencing storms, cyclones, or heavy rains and floods almost every year. With 2.9 million people vulnerable to cyclones and 3.3 million living within 5 km of the coastline, the state remains in a perpetual battle against the forces of nature.
In this ongoing struggle, understanding the human impact and striving for resilience becomes imperative for the communities along India's vulnerable East Coast.
