Reference Article: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance:
– GS Paper I: Geography — Climate and Disaster Patterns in India
– GS Paper II: Governance and Disaster Management Coordination
– GS Paper III: Disaster Management, Environment & Ecology, Infrastructure Resilience
– Essay Paper: Balancing Development with Disaster Preparedness
The Bay of Bengal, known for its warm waters and funnel-shaped geography, has historically been the cradle of some of the most devastating tropical cyclones affecting India.
Historical records indicate that October and November mark the most cyclone-prone months — with 9 of 12 major cyclones between the 18th and 20th centuries occurring in this period.
Two of the deadliest examples include:
- 1977 Andhra Pradesh Cyclone (Nizampatnam landfall) — ~10,000 fatalities.
- 1999 Odisha Super Cyclone (Paradip landfall) — ~10,000 fatalities.
The latest, Cyclone Montha (2025), though comparatively less intense, once again tested the preparedness and coordination of coastal States such as Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
Recent Developments: Cyclone Montha (2025)
- Formed and intensified in late October 2025 into a severe cyclonic storm.
- Impact zones:
- North Coastal Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, Srikakulam, Kakinada, Konaseema)
- Southern Odisha (Ganjam, Gajapati districts)
- Response:
- Evacuation of nearly 10,000 people in vulnerable coastal pockets.
- Deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams.
- Red Alerts issued across multiple districts.
- Preventive relocation and relief infrastructure activated.
This proactive approach prevented large-scale casualties, though localized destruction and livelihood disruptions were significant.
Evolving Disaster Preparedness in India
India’s disaster response capacity has witnessed a marked transformation in the last two decades.
While earlier cyclones caused catastrophic loss of life, modern forecasting, evacuation, and coordination mechanisms have drastically reduced human fatalities.
Key Improvements:
- Early Warning Systems: IMD’s satellite-based predictive tools, Doppler radars, and real-time communication networks.
- Institutional Response:
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) strengthening local preparedness.
- Pre-positioning of NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) units in cyclone-prone areas.
- Infrastructure Resilience: Construction of cyclone shelters, embankments, and storm-resilient housing under various central and state schemes.
- Community Awareness: Regular mock drills, school safety programmes, and local communication networks.
Persistent Challenges
Despite institutional progress, vulnerability remains high, particularly among marginalized populations dependent on fragile coastal economies.
| Challenge | Impact |
|---|---|
| Property Damage | Large-scale loss of homes, fishing boats, and local infrastructure |
| Livelihood Disruption | Fisherfolk, farmers, and daily-wage workers face prolonged unemployment |
| Animal & Agricultural Losses | Milch cattle, poultry, and cropland destruction, as seen in Cyclone Gaja (2018) |
| Relief & Rehabilitation Gaps | Delays and uneven distribution of aid; political interference in beneficiary selection |
| Environmental Degradation | Loss of mangroves and salinity intrusion in coastal ecosystems |
These reflect a continuing socio-economic vulnerability despite technological and administrative improvements.
Way Forward
To make India’s coastal resilience future-ready, both structural and non-structural measures must be integrated:
- Structural Measures:
- Strengthening coastal infrastructure and shelters.
- Reinforcing embankments, power, and communication networks.
- Investing in green buffers like mangrove regeneration.
- Non-Structural Measures:
- Capacity building of local communities.
- Insurance mechanisms for fishermen and small farmers.
- Use of AI and predictive analytics for micro-level cyclone path forecasting.
- Governance & Accountability:
- Ensuring impartial and efficient relief distribution.
- Greater coordination between Centre, States, and Panchayats.
- Continuous review and updating of disaster management plans.
Analytical Perspective
The evolution of India’s cyclone preparedness reflects a shift from reactive relief to proactive risk mitigation.
However, preparedness is only as strong as its last response. Cyclone Montha underscores that even as India prevents mass casualties, the economic and social rehabilitation of affected populations remains the true test of disaster governance.
The challenge now lies not in saving lives alone, but in safeguarding livelihoods and rebuilding resilience — equitably and sustainably.
Conclusion
India’s coastal states, particularly Andhra Pradesh and Odisha, have emerged as models of effective cyclone management through sustained learning and adaptive governance.
Yet, each new storm serves as a reminder of unfinished work — to translate administrative preparedness into inclusive recovery.
Only through a comprehensive approach that combines technology, empathy, and equitable governance can India truly claim victory over nature’s recurring test along the Bay of Bengal.
UPSC Mains Practice Question
“India’s cyclone preparedness has evolved from a relief-centric approach to a resilience-oriented model. Evaluate this transformation in light of Cyclone Montha (2025).”
