The future of coastal India under the shadow of cyclones

As life-giving as the ocean is, its fury can be equally destructive. India’s nearly 7,500-kilometer coastline is crucial to the country’s economy, trade, fisheries, and tourism. However, these same coastal areas face the threat of cyclones, storm surges, floods, and coastal erosion every year. Cyclone Arnab has once again raised questions about coastal India’s vulnerability and disaster management preparedness. The question is not only when and where a cyclone will strike, but also how strong our preparedness is to deal with it. In this era of changing climate, we must now develop strategies to mitigate damage in advance, rather than providing relief after a disaster strikes.
The biggest challenge in dealing with cyclones is predicting their changing nature and intensity. Despite modern technology and improvements in weather forecasting, cyclones often become more powerful in a short period of time, leaving authorities with little time to evacuate people and mobilize relief supplies. Heavy rains, accompanied by strong winds, high sea waves, and flooding rivers can wreak havoc. Climate change and rising sea temperatures have exacerbated this challenge.
Poor infrastructure in coastal areas is also a major problem. During cyclones, power poles collapse, roads become submerged, and communication services are disrupted. This hampers relief and rescue operations. In many coastal cities, unplanned construction, poor drainage systems, and the expansion of settlements in low-lying areas increase the risk. This makes it a major challenge to not only rescue people during a disaster but also to quickly restore essential services like electricity, water, health, and transportation.
The India Meteorological Department’s early warning system has improved, but the challenge remains ensuring that warnings reach everyone in a timely manner. Disseminating information to fishermen at sea, people living in remote villages and small islands is not easy. People often don’t take warnings seriously or delay moving to safer locations due to fear of abandoning their homes and livelihoods. Therefore, simply issuing warnings is not enough; it’s also crucial to educate people about the dangers and how to avoid them.
Cyclones don’t affect everyone equally. Poor families, women, children, the elderly, and the disabled are most affected. Families whose livelihoods depend on farming, fishing, or daily wage labor find it difficult to leave their homes and move to safety. They worry about their property, livestock, and jobs. Following a cyclone, fishing ceases, fields become inundated with saltwater, and small businesses come to a halt. This leaves affected families with long-term economic hardship.
The weakening of natural protective shields is also a matter of concern. Deforestation of mangrove forests, destruction of wetlands, and increasing construction on beaches increase the risk of cyclones. Mangrove forests play a vital role in reducing the force of sea waves and protecting coastal areas. Despite this, natural resources are being damaged in the name of development. Development in coastal areas is necessary, but development at the expense of the environment can become a major threat for the future.
To address these challenges, the first step is to strengthen the early warning system. Along with enhancing the technical capabilities of the Meteorological Department, it is essential to expand satellites, Doppler radar, and marine monitoring systems. Warnings should not be limited to mobile messages. Information should also be disseminated to the public through sirens, community radio, local administration, and panchayats. Warnings should be in the local language and clearly state what to do and where to go.
Additionally, robust infrastructure must be developed in coastal areas. There is a need to increase the number of cyclone shelters, establish safe evacuation routes, and strengthen hospitals, power plants, and drinking water systems for disaster preparedness. Special attention should be paid to the needs of women, children, the elderly, and the disabled in shelters. Regular mock drills can help train people on the right steps to take during a disaster.
The participation of local communities is also essential in disaster management. Panchayats, NGOs, fishermen’s associations, and youth should be involved in disaster management plans. Disaster awareness and first aid training should be provided in schools. Local people have better knowledge of the risks in their areas. Therefore, their participation can make relief and rescue operations more effective.
Damage can also be minimized by working in harmony with nature. Mangrove forests, wetlands, and coastal vegetation should be protected. Uncontrolled construction in sensitive areas should be prohibited, and coastal regulation regulations should be strictly enforced. Furthermore, insurance, financial assistance, and livelihood rehabilitation are essential for fishermen, farmers, and small businesses, so they can recover after a disaster.
Cyclone Arnab has provided an opportunity to understand that while it’s impossible to completely avoid natural disasters, their damage can certainly be mitigated through better preparedness. India has made significant progress in weather forecasting and evacuation, but much remains to be done in coastal areas. The need now is not to limit ourselves to relief and rescue, but to create systems that can mitigate damage before a disaster strikes. After all, safe coasts are built not just by strong buildings, but by aware citizens, accountable administration, and a protected environment.
The writer is a PhD (Political Science), is a poet and social thinker.)