The Bay of Bengal has always been a cyclone hotspot. Odisha every year faces maximum consequences of cyclones which have created existential danger to coastal Odisha. According to studies eight of the ten most deadly tropical cyclones in history have their origins in this area.
Existential danger to coastal Odisha
The Bay of Bengal has always been a cyclone hotspot. Odisha every year faces maximum consequences of cyclones which have created existential danger to coastal Odisha. According to studies eight of the ten most deadly tropical cyclones in history have their origins in this area. The Bay of Bengal being a hotspot for the cyclonic eruption likewise has the greatest relative rise in the risk of flooding and ocean intrusion.
Odisha faces the maximum consequences like rapid coastal erosion
Odisha every year faces maximum consequences of cyclones due to its geographical location. The state’s coastline has already lost 153.8 km, or around 28%, due to seawater intrusion. Due to storm floods, rapid coastal erosion, seawater intrusion into freshwater aquifers, and encroachment of tidal waters into river systems, several coastal villages in Odisha are also suffering higher levels of inundation. Increment in these cyclonic activities has led Odisha to a huge loss of life as well as the economy.
Community uprooting due to the cyclonic eruption
Certain villages of Odisha have become frequent sufferers because of the annual occurrence of cyclones leading to community uprooting. Due to the approaching sea, the inhabitants of Udayakani village have moved three times. The village’s senior residents claim that the distance to the sea used to be a few kilometres, but that it is now only 100 meters.
Outcome-oriented comprehensive planning and schemes is what required
Natural calamities like cyclones cause huge damage to people’s life and their livelihood. Communities have fallen into the loop of displacement leading to an unsure future. The schemes and government efforts no doubt have been taking place but at a humanitarian level, it’s high time for the federal government and state governments to accept this new reality and create a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation and resettlement of people displaced by sea-level rise. More outcome-oriented planning and scheme can save the lives of thousands.
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