Odisha Commemorates 25 Years of Resilience Since Devastating Supercyclone in 1999 | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Odisha Commemorates 25 Years of Resilience Since Devastating Supercyclone in 1999

Posted 04 Nov 2024

2 min read

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. 

 

About Cyclones

Cyclones are caused by atmospheric disturbances around a low-pressure area distinguished by swift and often destructive air circulation. 

  • Classification 
    • Extra tropical cyclones or temperate cyclones (occur in temperate zones and high latitude regions)
    • Tropical cyclones (occur between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer).
  • Terminologies used by IMD: Based on wind speed, IMD  classifies low-pressure systems in the Bay of Bengal as 
    • Super Cyclone: 221 Km/h 
    • Severe Cyclonic Storm: 88-117  
    • Cyclonic Storm: 61-88 Km/h 
  • Tags :
  • Tropical Cyclones
  • BoB 06
  • Super Cyclone
  • Severe Cyclonic Storm
  • Cyclonic Storm
  • Disaster Management Act (DMA), 2005
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