The long-term frequency and intensity of cyclonic storms and associated losses in Odisha, India

ABSTRACT

We investigated long-term (1890–2020) frequency changes in depressions (D), cyclonic storms (CS) and severe cyclonic storms (SCS), along Odisha coast. We reviewed the fatalities, damage to properties and livestock and linked with the existing cyclone disaster management policy of the state. The decadal frequencies of D and CS show marked declining pattern after reaching their peak in 1930–1939 and 1890–1899, respectively. On an average, the SCS hits slightly more than two times per decade. No notable change in the long-term frequency of SCS was noticed, though last five decades (1970–2020) witnessed an upsurge in % contribution of SCS (13%) to the total atmospheric disturbances, and the maximum contribution (20%) was in the latest decade (2010–2020). Human fatalities exceeded more than 5000 in 1895, 1967, 1971, 1972, and 1999 cyclones. Establishment of SDMA (State Disaster Management Authority), efficient forecasting and evacuation strategies have successfully brought down the fatalities, but the loss of livestock, biodiversity, livelihoods, and infrastructure remains a concern. Decision-makers should strive to increase the resilience of at-risk communities through planting protective mangrove cover, educating and ensuring better living conditions, and implementing 4R (Robustness, Redundancy, Resourcefulness and Rapid response) resilience principles for the infrastructure.

KEYWORDS:

• Tropical cyclones
• frequency
• intensity
• economic and human losses
• Odisha coast

Acknowledgements

Author’s contribution: All the authors have worked in a co-ordinated manner from the conceptualisation of work, analyses of data and preparation of the manuscript. They all have gone through the final draft of the manuscript and have approved it.

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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

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Funding

Funding was not required for this research work.