Mentor’s Comment

The recurring cyclones on India’s eastern coast highlight not only the country’s growing vulnerability to extreme weather events but also the evolution of its disaster management framework. The recent Cyclone Montha once again tested India’s readiness, reflecting both commendable progress and continuing challenges in disaster response, livelihood security, and post-disaster rehabilitation.

Why in the News

Cyclone Montha, which began intensifying into a severe cyclonic storm over the Bay of Bengal on October 27-28, 2025, has revived memories of devastating cyclones such as the 1977 Andhra cyclone and the 1999 Odisha super cyclone, each claiming nearly 10,000 lives. Although Montha was not as intense, it tested disaster preparedness mechanisms across Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. The event underlines both improved resilience and the persisting socio-economic costs of cyclones in India’s coastal belt, a region that historically faces the brunt of Bay of Bengal storms during October-November.

Introduction

India’s eastern coastline, especially Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, has long been vulnerable to tropical cyclones. Historically, the Bay of Bengal has produced some of the world’s deadliest cyclonic events. While the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) have strengthened forecasting and evacuation systems, the scale of livelihood disruption, property damage, and rural distress continues to make post-cyclone rehabilitation a critical governance concern.

Why is India’s East Coast So Vulnerable to Cyclones?

1. Geographical Exposure: The Bay of Bengal’s funnel shape and warm waters create conditions for cyclogenesis, making the east coast more cyclone-prone than the west.
2. Seasonal Concentration: Historically, October-November are peak months, with nine of twelve major cyclones (18th-20th century) recorded during this period.
3. High Human Impact: The 1977 Andhra and 1999 Odisha cyclones each caused ~10,000 deaths, highlighting the historic vulnerability.

How Prepared Are India’s Coastal States Today?

1. Institutional Mechanisms: Strengthened Union and State disaster management authorities and IMD’s early warning systems have made large-scale loss of life “a thing of the past.”
2. Evacuation Efficiency: Nearly 10,000 people evacuated from Andhra’s Kakinada and Konaseema during Cyclone Montha.
3. Red Alert Response: Prompt deployment of NDRF teams and coordinated district-level action in red-alert zones of southern Odisha.

What Are the Persisting Gaps and Challenges?

1. Property and Livelihood Loss: Even with reduced fatalities, damage to homes, livestock, and agriculture remains high, affecting underprivileged sections.
2. Economic Vulnerability: Cyclones disrupt milch animals, draught animals, and poultry, impacting rural incomes and food security.
3. Infrastructure Fragility: Despite improvements, coastal roads, electricity grids, and communication lines remain highly exposed to storm surges and floods.

What Has Been Learnt from Past Disasters?

1. Adaptive Governance: Following disasters like Cyclone Gaja (2018), governments have adopted structural and non-structural mitigation measures, including cyclone shelters, embankments, and mangrove restoration.
2. Skill Enhancement: Continuous upgrading of disaster management knowledge and coordination among states such as Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.
3. Community Engagement: Enhanced public awareness and local volunteer networks contribute to faster evacuations.

What Should Be the Way Forward for Relief and Rehabilitation?

1. Holistic Recovery Approach: Combine immediate relief with long-term livelihood restoration and climate-resilient infrastructure.
2. Inclusive Policy Execution: Focus on the most vulnerable coastal communities, particularly fishers and small farmers.
3. Leadership Accountability: Political and administrative leadership must ensure effective implementation of rehabilitation and reconstruction measures post-disaster.

Conclusion

India’s eastern coastline remains a climatic frontier where human resilience is tested year after year. The evolution from reactive relief to proactive risk reduction marks a significant policy success. Yet, the persistence of livelihood loss and infrastructure fragility calls for stronger implementation, community engagement, and leadership accountability. Relief and rehabilitation must now evolve into a model of climate-adaptive, inclusive coastal development.

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