In 1999, ‘BoB 06’, a supercyclone with 250 kmph winds made landfall near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur of Odisha claiming 

more than 9,000 lives and leaving millions homeless.

• However, since then, Odisha’s cyclone management has undergone a sea change, and in 2013 and 2014, it was lauded as a 'global example' by the UN.

Key Issues in 1999’s Disaster Response 

• Ignored Warnings: Despite IMD alerts, authorities and public underestimated storm’s severity. 
• Lack of Preparedness:  Inadequate location-specific landfall warnings, limited resources, and poor communication strategy was seen. 

Disaster resilient initiatives taken since 1999 

• State
  • Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA): Odisha founded India’s first state-level disaster management agency that led to decentralized disaster response and minimized bureaucratic delays.
  • Mission Zero Casualty: OSDMA introduced cyclone shelters, rapid response teams, and streamlined protocols to reduce human casualties in cyclones and floods.
  • Community-centred efforts: Involving local volunteers, including members from gram panchayats and women’s SHGs, to lead rescue operations and reduce disaster risks.
• Centre
  • Improved Early Warning and Response Systems: In 1999, IMD provided images every three hours. Now, it can provide data every 15 minutes.
  • Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005: Under it, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) was created.