AKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to acknowledge the support and guidance of my

supervisor, Dr. Bharat Ratnu, whose expertise and insights have been
invaluable throughout this project. I am also grateful to Shivaji
college for providing the resources and environment necessary for
conducting this research.
Additionally, I would like to thank my colleagues and peers for their
assistance and collaboration. Their input has greatly enriched this
work. Finally, I am grateful to my family for their unwavering support
and encouragement.
 What is a cyclone?
The term "Cyclone" originates from the Greek word "Cyclos," which
means the coils of a snake. Henry Peddington coined this term
because the tropical storms in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea
resemble coiled serpents of the sea.
A cyclone is characterized by the sum of the pressure-gradient and
Coriolis forces, causing an air mass to swirl above a low-pressure
region. In the Northern Hemisphere, this swirling occurs in an
anticlockwise fashion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is
clockwise. Technically, a cyclone is an area of closed, circular
atmospheric motion rotating in the same direction as the Earth.
From the perspective of the North Pole, the Earth rotates
counterclockwise, leading to cyclones in the Northern Hemisphere
rotating counterclockwise and those in the Southern Hemisphere
rotating clockwise. Air moves from high pressure to low pressure due
to the pressure gradient, creating what we perceive as wind. High-
pressure regions are where air descends, while low-pressure areas
are where air ascends.
For instance, the Horse latitudes experience deflection from the
Coriolis force, causing the path of the air flow to bend to the right in
the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern
Hemisphere. The degree of deflection from the Coriolis force
depends on the speed of the moving air mass and its latitude.
 TYPES OF CYCLONES

TROPICAL CYCLONES
Tropical cyclones occur over tropical oceans and are categorized into
hurricanes and typhoons. Hurricanes are found in the Atlantic and
Northeast Pacific, while typhoons are found in the Northwest Pacific.
These cyclones are classified into five categories based on their
intensity and wind speed.

POLAR CYCLONES
Polar cyclones, known as "Arctic hurricanes" in the Northern
Hemisphere, derive their energy from heat transfer between water
and air, releasing latent heat as cloud condensation. Forecasting
polar cyclones is challenging as they form rapidly, often in less than
24 hours, over the Arctic and Antarctic seas.

MESOCYCLONES
Mesocyclones are powerful thunderstorms characterized by a vortex
of air within a convective storm. This rotating air rises along the
vertical axis, with its direction matching that of the low-pressure
system in the hemisphere. Mesocyclones are accompanied by
rotating air within the thunderstorm.

EXTRATROPICAL CYCLONES
Extratropical cyclones, also called mid-latitude cyclones, form in
middle latitudes along frontal boundaries. While their winds are
weaker, they exhibit sharp temperature gradients. An example is the
nor'easter, which impacts the east coast of the United States.
 Cyclone Phailin - ODISHA
1. The state of Odisha is susceptible to numerous natural hazards due
to its subtropical coastal location, making it prone to various
hydrometeorological hazards such as tropical cyclones, storms, and
tsunamis. With a population of 41 million as per the 2011 census, a
significant portion of this population resides on the plains of its
rivers. These rivers contain heavy deposits of alluvial silt, significantly
reducing their carrying capacity and leading to frequent floods,
sometimes resulting in breaches of embankments.

2. India's East coast is among the six most cyclone-prone areas

globally. Although Odisha's coastline comprises only about 17% of
India's east coast, it has experienced nearly 35% of all cyclonic and
severe cyclonic storms crossing the east coast, along with associated
storm surges that have inundated coastal districts. On average, about
5 to 6 tropical cyclones form in the Bay of Bengal each year, with two
or three reaching mild to severe levels. Considering the frequency of
severe storms, coastal Odisha is approximately twice as vulnerable as
compared to other eastern states.

3. The state experiences two cyclone seasons: the first during the
pre-monsoon period (April to May) and the second during the post-
monsoon period (September to November). In October 1999, a
cyclone struck Odisha classified as a "super cyclone" due to its
severity, virtually paralyzing the state with extensive infrastructure
and communication system damage. The cyclone severely affected
around 18 million people in 14 districts, resulting in approximately
10,000 deaths.

4. Following the 1999 super cyclone, the state government

implemented measures such as installing modern communication
systems, constructing cyclone shelters, and improving infrastructure,
including building pucca houses for the poor in cyclone-prone areas,
to reduce the physical vulnerability of coastal districts to cyclonic
winds and tidal surges. However, with the increasing coastal
population and the depletion of mangroves and shelter belts, the
state remains vulnerable to cyclones.

5. Additionally, while a significant part of the state falls under

earthquake risk zone 2 (low damage risk zone), the Brahmani
Mahanadi garden and their deltatic area fall under earthquake risk
zone 3 (moderate damage risk zone), affecting 43 out of 103 urban
local bodies. The state is also vulnerable to flash floods and
landslides.

6. The Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS) Phailin originated from a

remnant cyclonic circulation in the South China Sea. It moved over
the Tenasserim coast as a low-pressure area on October 6, 2013, and
intensified into a VSCS over the east-central Bay of Bengal on October
10, 2013.

7. VSCS Phailin made landfall near Gopalpur, Odisha, around 2230

hours IST on October 12, 2013, with sustained maximum surface
winds of 200-210 kmph, gusting up to 220 kmph. It caused heavy
rainfall over Odisha, leading to floods and strong gale winds causing
extensive structural damage and storm surges triggering widespread
coastal inundation. Maximum rainfall occurred over the northeast
sector of the system at the time of landfall, with a maximum 24-hour
cumulative rainfall of 38 cm reported over Banki in Cuttack district,
Odisha. A maximum storm surge of 3.5 meters above the
astronomical tide was estimated in the low-lying areas of Ganjam
district, Odisha, with inland saline water inundation extending up to
about one kilometer from the coast. Surface communication systems,
telecommunication, power supply, and water supply lines were
severely disrupted.
 State Government Response

1. The Government of Odisha (GoO) was proactive and well-prepared

to handle the approaching cyclone. Besides receiving updates from
the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the path, intensity, and
magnitude of the cyclone were continuously monitored by the
Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA). A series of
preparatory activities were initiated to confront the cyclone with a
zero casualty approach.

2. Before the cyclone's landfall, OSDMA conducted mock drills at all

cyclone shelters and inspected and replaced equipment at many of
these shelters. Cyclone and Flood Shelter Management and
Maintenance Committees were activated to facilitate the evacuation
of vulnerable populations. Satellite phones were provided to all 14
cyclone-prone districts for communication in case of
telecommunication line failure.
Additionally, the state government ensured the opening of 4,197 free
kitchen centre from October 11 onwards, covering more than 2
million affected people. Moreover, 185 medical teams and 338
medical relief centres were established. Since the event coincided
with the Indian festive season of Dussehra, all government employee
holidays were cancelled, and all field offices remained open.
Approximately 30 nodal NGOs were also engaged in various
vulnerable blocks of coastal and flood-prone districts.

3. To minimize casualties, the GoO directed the evacuation of all

residents in low-lying areas and kutcha houses or tin-roofed houses
within 0-10 km of the coastline to nearby cyclone shelters or other
identified safe buildings. Similar measures were taken to relocate
livestock to safer areas. Over 1 million people were evacuated within
36 hours before Cyclone Phailin's landfall, marking one of the largest
emergency evacuations carried out in record time.

Cyclone Phailin and subsequent floods caused extensive devastation

in the affected districts, uprooting a large number of trees, damaging
roads and public buildings, and disrupting telecommunications and
power supply. Due to the effective prepositioning of personnel,
machinery, and materials, as well as the efficient coordination among
state, national, and local agencies, the restoration of connectivity was
carried out impressively. Major roads were cleared within 24 hours.
The IAF airdropped about 5.7 metric tons of dry food to inaccessible
areas, and over 0.5 million families were provided temporary shelter,
along with elaborate arrangements for safe drinking water and power
supply.
 CONSEQUENCES
Housing
1. Cyclone Phailin causing major damage to coastal infrastructure,
particularly to kutcha and semi-pucca houses due to high-speed
winds and associated rainfall. The State of Odisha has about
83% of its population in rural areas and the predominant
building typologies in the disaster-affected areas include (i)
kutcha structures (i.e. semi- permanent houses of wattle and
daub construction with thatched roofs or asbestos sheets) (ii)
pucca structures (i.e. houses made with Reinforced Cement
Concrete (RCC) structure with RCC roofs or with brick/laterite
masonry with RCC roofs).
2. Based on the information provided by the GoO about 256,600
units were damaged in the rural areas. In addition, there were
losses of personal and productive assets. Those however have
not been quantified due to a lack of relevant available data at
the time of this report.

Public Buildings
1. The damages to public buildings (including residential buildings)
in education, health, and government service sectors. The
extent of the damages to buildings varies, with relatively more
severe impacts in the districts of Ganjam and Puri.
2. The main type of damage is to asbestos sheet roofs, followed
by windows, doors, and cracked walls and boundary walls. The
damages have led to the disruption of the routine functioning
of these facilities. It is important to note the key role played by
public buildings during the disaster given that many were used
as evacuation shelters during the cyclone which also led to
damages to equipment (furniture, teaching and learning
material in schools).
3. As per the information obtained a total of about 12,811 public
buildings were damaged, of which 12,296 correspond to non-
 residential and 515 to residential buildings respectively, with
primary schools being the most affected. Heritage Monuments
Odisha has a rich cultural heritage with 218 monuments
protected by the State Archaeological Department and 78
monuments and sites protected by Archaeological Survey of
India. Apart from these, large numbers of monuments (more
than 3,000) are unprotected and were found in a dilapidated
condition. The coastal areas of the State are also dotted with
large numbers of standing monuments in a poor state of
preservation.

Roads
1. The major effect of the cyclone and floods on the roads was
damage to the embankments, road shoulders and the
pavement caused by rain cuts and inundation.
2. Another immediate effect was road blockage due to the falling
of trees caused by high wind speeds. The Departments of
Works, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Housing and
Urban Development took immediate steps for cutting the fallen
trees and clearing the roads to restore connectivity. JCB's and
other heavy earth moving equipment were used to clear the
roads. The Police, ODRAF, NDRF, and Fire Service units along
with other inter-departments coordinated the clearing and
most of the roads up to the Block level were cleared within 2
days.

Livestock
1. Odisha is endowed with a large population of livestock and
accommodates nearly 5% of the total bovine stock of India.
The animal husbandry sector contributes more than 30% to
the net state domestic product to agriculture. The rearing of
livestock is one of the important economic activities in the
 rural areas and is an integral part of the farming system in
the state.
Farmers are dependent on livestock for milk, meat, eggs,
manure etc. Home based animal husbandry units are a major
support system for majority of the rural poor who are either
landless or are small and marginal farmers with un-irrigated
land. Generally stock holdings are small and often made up
of a mix of several species.

Livelihoods
1. Odisha's economy mainly relies on the Agriculture and
Fisheries sectors. About 2.95% population (1 million people)
depends upon fisheries for their livelihood. Of them, 0.7 million
people depend on inland fisheries and 0.3 million on marine
fisheries.
2. The cyclone and ensuing floods have had a catastrophic
impact on the livelihood of the people in these areas, especially
in the costal districts of Ganjam, Puri and Khurda, where more
than half of all the damages in the state took place. The loss of
livelihood has resulted in an increase in migration to other
States, taking loans from money lenders (that charge around
10% p.m. interest) and pawning of family assets.
 Impact

1. Women: The loss of shelter and livelihoods has disproportionately

affected women in vulnerable categories: the old and the infirm,
destitute and single women, women responsible for managing their
families, daily labourers, and dalit women with restricted livelihood
options.
Factors such as poor living conditions, loss of shelter, low skill levels,
limited access to credit and markets, physical isolation and social
exclusion account for higher levels of deprivation among dalit women
affected by Phailin. House damages, absence of sanitation facilities,
difficulties with fetching water, and uncertain incomes put enormous
burdens on women as they struggle to reset their homes. The loss of
shelter has compromised their privacy and security needs in the
affected villages.
2. Children: The damage caused to shelter, schools and the loss of
study materials have disrupted children's learning process. The
cyclone and consequent floods damaged 7,324 schools and 1949
Anganwadi Centre. Even as the government provided immediate
relief aid, the nutritional needs of children are far from being met.
The government has taken steps to provide the affected people with
physical disabilities with aids and appliances. While many children
may be able to cope with temporary disorientation, any form of
trauma affecting their learning and development needs remains to
be assessed. The damages suffered by the children's observation
homes have been assessed and will need to be addressed.
3.Urban Poor: In the proliferating informal settlements with narrow
pathways in Odisha's coastal cities, people live in small huts and
semi-pucca structures without tenure security and with minimal
access to basic services. Many of the 261 slums in Berhampur were
damaged, with some slums submerged for days due to flooding.
These poor slum inhabitants, mostly migrants, who settled in the city
years back in search of employment, continue to live in vulnerable
physical environments and are exposed to future calamity risks.
4. Marginalised Livelihood Groups: While a vast majority of those
losing their shelters and livelihoods belonged to the scheduled caste,
people rendered most vulnerable are dalits, wage laborers, and share
croppers. The exact number of dalit/harijan habitations ravaged by
the cyclone needs to be enumerated. The share croppers and land
less labourers suffered loss of livelihood, but were not able to benefit
from crop damage compensation provided only to the title holders.
5. Social Capital: The cyclone brought the communities together and
has given rise to new aspirations in view of the government's
effective emergency response activities. This aspirational solidarity
amongst the affected people could manifest in the form of resistance
and conflict in the absence of measures to utilize their cooperation
for engineering a collaborative reconstruction, risk-reduction process.
 The Way Forward
A. Risk Mitigation Infrastructure
i. Resilient Housing: Settlements often occupy vulnerable lands near
the High Tide Line (HTL) or in regulated coastal zones. These
settlements may need to be relocated to safer areas, though not too
far from the original sites due to livelihood considerations.
Additionally, there is a need for mass social housing programs to
rebuild vulnerable homes along the coast, rivers, and water bodies to
reduce the number of kutcha and semi-pucca constructions. Utilizing
existing schemes like the Indira and Rajiv Awas Yojnas could facilitate
this. Implementing appropriate reconstruction methods and
establishing a supportive, overseeing, and monitoring mechanism
could significantly reduce vulnerabilities.
ii. Additional Flood and Cyclone Shelters: Constructing more
multipurpose emergency shelters (for cyclones and floods) and
improving access to such shelters is crucial. This involves various
measures such as investing in multipurpose emergency shelters,
upgrading existing roads and bridges suitable for evacuation, building
alternative routes, constructing missing bridges, establishing funds
for the operation and maintenance of emergency shelters, providing
training and capacity building for communities, and installing early
warning systems.
iii. Strengthening Riverine Embankments: Enhancing the design and
height of existing saline and riverine embankments to withstand
higher cyclonic storm surges and flood levels is essential. This will
help protect coastal areas in Odisha from saline water inundation and
mitigate riverine flooding. Appropriately designed sluices can
facilitate stormwater evacuation from agricultural fields and provide
other benefits like protecting rural property and serving as access
routes.
iv. Power Infrastructure: Ensuring resilience to future disasters in the
power sector requires measures such as constructing vital
installations (water supply, hospitals, railways, airports, etc.) with
underground cabling and double circuit supply in a ring/mesh mode,
locating substations above the maximum recorded flood level,
erecting trunk lines (11KV and 33KV) with reinforced NBLS towers
capable of withstanding wind pressure of 300 kmph, and establishing
disaster response units in each electrical circle equipped with
modern equipment.

B. Youth Engagement in Risk Mitigation

Recognizing that youth make up 42% of Odisha's population, their
role in the state's progress is crucial. Engaging youth in risk mitigation
projects through skill development training (e.g., communication
techniques, masonry) can ensure quick employability. They can also
be involved in constructing resilient housing, public buildings, early
warning systems, and coordinating evacuation processes,
contributing significantly to government development and
rehabilitation efforts.

C. Planned Urban Infrastructure

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) should develop drainage master plans and
construct stormwater drains accordingly, considering
blockage/choking issues in disposal systems. Waste disposal sites
should be located where they will not be affected by excess water
flows. ULBs should also maintain data on flood-prone areas regarding
rainfall and flood frequencies. Providing backup generator sets at
water supply pumping stations and installations can ensure
continuous water supply during power outages caused by cyclones,
preventing damage to pipelines due to pressure build-up.
D. Decision Support System (DSS) for Disaster Management
Implementing a Decision Support System (DSS) for disaster
management in Odisha can aid decision-makers and ensure
coordination among stakeholders and implementing departments.
Such a system can track and report progress towards targets, enable
citizen feedback, improve response planning (e.g., evacuation routes,
locating vulnerable infrastructure), and maintain an inventory of
disaster preparedness and response resources. Utilizing GIS
technology in the DSS can help assimilate and analyze vast amounts
of data for decision-making.

E. Improving Forest Resources

Enhancing shelterbelt plantations and mangrove ecosystems can help
minimize the impact of cyclonic winds and improve resilience in
coastal areas. Utilizing forest scrub lands for shelterbelt plantations
and involving Village Vanrakshak Samitis (VVS) in maintaining and
recovering forests can strengthen forest resources and benefit
communities during post-disaster phases.
 Measures at an Individual Level

Before the Cyclone season:

 Check the house; secure loose tiles and carry out repairs of
doors and windows
 Remove dead branches or dying trees close to the house;
anchor removable objects such as lumber piles, loose tin
sheets, loose bricks, garbage cans, sign-boards, etc. which can
fly in strong winds
 Keep some wooden boards ready so that glass windows can be
boarded if needed
 Keep a hurricane lantern filled with kerosene, battery-operated
torches, and enough dry cells
 Demolish condemned buildings
 Keep some extra batteries for transistors
 Keep some dry non-perishable food always ready for use in
emergency

When the Cyclone starts

 Listen to the radio (All India Radio stations give weather
warnings).
 Keep monitoring the warnings. This will help you prepare for a
cyclone emergency.
 Pass the information to others.
 Ignore rumors and do not spread them; this will help to avoid
panic situations.
 Believe in the official information
 When a cyclone alert is on for your area continue normal
working but stay alert to the radio warnings.
 Stay alert for the next 24 hours as a cyclone alert means that
the danger is within 24 hours.
 When your area is under a cyclone warning get away from
low-lying beaches or other low-lying areas close to the coast
 Leave early before your way to high ground or shelter gets
flooded
 Do not delay and run the risk of being marooned
 If your house is securely built on high ground take shelter in
the safe part of the house. However, if asked to evacuate do
not hesitate to leave the place.
 Board up glass windows or put storm shutters in place.
 Provide strong suitable support for outside doors.
 If you do not have wooden boards handy, paste paper strips
on glasses to prevent splinters. However, this may not avoid
breaking windows.
 Get extra food, which can be eaten without cooking. Store
extra drinking water in suitably covered vessels.
 If you have to evacuate the house move your valuable
articles to the upper floors to minimize flood damage.
 Ensure that your hurricane lantern, torches, or other
emergency lights are in working condition and keep them
handy.
 Small and loose things, which can fly in strong winds, should
be stored safely in a room.
 Be sure that a window and door can be opened only on the
side opposite to the one facing the wind.
  Make provision for children and adults requiring a special
diet.
 If the centre of the cyclone is passing directly over your
house there will be a lull in the wind and rain lasting for half
an hour or so. During this time do not go out; because
immediately after that, very strong winds will blow from the
opposite direction.
 Switch off the electrical mains in your house.
 Remain calm.

During a cyclone
DO NOT venture out even when the winds appear to calm down. The
'eye' of the cyclone might be passing. Winds might intensify and gush
again and cause damage. Be safe inside till it is officially announced
that the cyclone has passed.

When Evacuation is instructed

 Head for the proper shelter or evacuation points indicated for
your area.
 Do not worry about your property
 At the shelter follow instructions of the person in charge.
 Remain in the shelter until you are informed to leave

Post-cyclone measures
 You should remain in the shelter until informed that you can
return to your home.
 You must get inoculated against diseases immediately.
 Strictly avoid any loose and dangling wires from lamp posts.
 If you have to drive, do drive carefully.
 Clear debris from your premises immediately.
 Government Initiatives

Strengthening Forecasting and Early Warning:

Enhancing scientific and technological capabilities for monitoring,
predicting, and communicating cyclone hazards and risks.
Utilizing advanced tools like satellites, radars, and numerical models
to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and reliability of cyclone
forecasts and warnings.
Strengthening coordination and collaboration among different
agencies and platforms involved in the early warning system.
Increasing public awareness and understanding of cyclone warnings
and their implications.

Enhancing Comprehensive Preparedness and Readiness:

Developing and implementing comprehensive and participatory
disaster management plans at national, state, district, and local
levels. Identifying and mapping vulnerable areas, populations, and
assets.
Establishing and maintaining adequate transport, communication,
and power networks. Stockpiling essential supplies and equipment.
Preparing and updating emergency kits and evacuation plans.
Conducting regular drills, training, and mock exercises to test and
improve the preparedness and readiness of various actors.

Reducing Exposure and Vulnerability:

Implementing structural and non-structural measures to prevent or
mitigate the impacts of cyclones.
Constructing or retrofitting sturdy and resilient houses, buildings,
infrastructure, and facilities.
Restoring and conserving natural ecosystems such as mangroves,
wetlands, and coral reefs that protect against cyclones.
Enforcing coastal regulation zone norms and land-use planning to
regulate development activities in coastal areas.
Promoting livelihood diversification and social protection schemes to
reduce dependence on cyclone-prone sectors.

Fostering Cooperation and Partnership:

Engaging various stakeholders such as government agencies, non-
governmental organizations, international organizations, the private
sector, media, academia, and civil society in cyclone preparedness
and management.
Participating in regional and international initiatives for cyclone risk
reduction, such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), South
Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), Bay of Bengal
Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical Economic Cooperation
(BIMSTEC), etc.

National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project:

India initiated this project to undertake structural and non-structural
measures to mitigate the effects of cyclones.
The project aims to protect vulnerable local communities from the
impact of cyclones and other hydro-meteorological calamities.
After the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority
(NDMA), the management of the Project was transferred to NDMA in
September 2006.
Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project:
ICZM aims to improve the livelihoods of coastal communities and
conserve the coastal ecosystem.
The ICZM plan involves identifying infrastructure requirements and
means to improve livelihoods in coastal districts.

Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ):

The coastal areas of seas, bays, creeks, rivers, and backwaters that
are influenced by tides up to 500 m from the high tide line (HTL) and
the land between the low tide line (LTL) and the high tide line were
declared as coastal regulation zones (CRZ) in 1991.
The coastal regulation zones have been declared by the Ministry of
Environment, Forest, and Climate Change under the Environment
Protection Act 1986.

Colour Coding of Cyclones:

This is a weather warning issued by the India Meteorological
Department (IMD) to alert people about natural hazards in advance.
 Conclusion

"Odisha's handling of the very severe cyclone will be a landmark

success story in disaster management. We are very impressed. We
have plans to use it as a model for other cities and countries to follow
as part of our global efforts on disaster risk reduction"
- Margareta Wahlstrom, United Nations Secretary General's Special
Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of the UN Office
for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR)
The October 2013 cyclone in India, Cyclone Phailin, was a powerful
tropical cyclone that hit the eastern coast of India, resulting in
considerable damage and loss of life. Despite its strength, the Indian
government's early warning systems and preparedness measures
played a crucial role in reducing the cyclone's impact. Thousands of
individuals were evacuated from coastal regions, and relief efforts
were promptly organized to aid those impacted. The handling of
Cyclone Phailin underscored the significance of efficient disaster
preparedness and response tactics in lessening the consequences of
natural calamities.