The Super Cyclone of 1999 was not just a cyclone, it was a weather phenomenon that swept away families, wiped away dreams and left scars for a lifetime and more.
Cyclones are nothing new for a coastal state like Odisha. Frequent low pressure build- ups in the Bay of Bengal, gives rise to cyclonic storms usually in the later half of the year. People of Odisha have learnt to deal with and live with such natural calamities over the years.
The grit and determination with which the Odia people deal with such adversities is really amazing. People living in the low lying areas are evacuated to safer grounds and in a few days life returns to normalcy.
29th of October, 1999
Today as we are about to experience ‘Arnab’, another cyclonic storm, we are reminded of the year 1999 when Odisha had to face its worst nightmare in the shape of the Super Cyclone which struck on the 29th of October, 1999.
Previously when there was news of a storm, it was dealt with very casually. Nobody really panicked. Hence when news came about this 1999 cyclone, Odisha was not prepared for it. Especially there were no Cyclone shelters for safe keeping of evacuated people, no real awareness. People of Odisha were caught off guard.
But this cyclone of 1999, proved to be one of the most intense and destructive tropical storms of the region. It had wind speed upto nearly 250 kms per hour and killing approximately 10,000 people.
This cyclone was also called the ‘Paradip Cyclone’ as it made its landfall in Paradip which became the eye of the storm. Many have named that fateful day as ‘black Friday’.The damage caused was beyond anyone’s perception, devastating Odisha like never before, especially the coastal districts of Balasore, Bhadrak, Kendrapada, Jagatsinghpur, Puri and Ganjam.
The Effect The Super Cyclone Of 1999
The wind speed was so great that the anemometer failed to record it. Heavy rains continued for three days. What followed was worse. With electric poles uprooted, there was no electricity and no drinking water. To add to it there was water logging which made life come to a stand still. Livestock and houses were damaged beyond imagination.
Communication was totally disrupted. The intensity of the wind and the huge waves was such that bodies were found on top of tall trees and electric poles after the water receded.
Human bodies and the carcasses of animals were strewn everywhere in some of the worst hit villages in Jagatsinghpur district. Children were orphaned, women were widowed and parents lost their children.
The powerful cyclonic storm had been underestimated. It’s pathway had been miscalculated. Thus preparedness was inadequate. It only proved that man is helpless in front of nature’s fury.
Super Cyclone Of 1999, A Wake Up Call For The Government
But this natural disaster taught valuable lessons which became ingrained in the administrative system and in the people of Odisha.
The experience was a wake up call for the Government and Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) was formed. This was first of its kind in the entire country. With the passage of time, Odisha has proved to be an expert in disaster management extending help to other states during times of trouble like storms, earthquakes and other natural calamities.
Cyclone shelters have been constructed and awareness programs are regularly conducted which has helped in protecting both life and property. It also created a sense of brotherhood, removing differences of caste, creed and religion. Every individual was ready to extend a helping hand towards each other.
Today though 26 years have gone by the memories of this 1999 devastating Cyclone still continues to haunt all those who have lost their loved ones forever. Time has helped heal but the scars still remain deeply etched in the minds of Odias.
