Study on super cyclone in Orissa 1999 with special reference to early warning system
A succession of severe natural disasters has wreaked havoc in the poverty-ridden state of Orissa. First the state experienced a severe flood in the august, 1999 affecting six coastal blocks. Next came the severe cyclonic storm on 17-18th October 1999, which hit the coastal district causing widespread and unprecedented damages to life and property. The state was again hit by the most severe super cyclonic storm on 29- 30th Octeber, 1999 that ravaged all the coastal districts in general and Jagatsingpur. Kendrapara, Cuttack, Khurda and Puri in particular. The super storm was followed by torrential rains raging from 447mm to 955mm rainfall from 29th October to 1st November causing very high flood in baitarini, budhabalanga, and salandi river basins, Which severly affected and marooned very vast districts of Jajpur, Bhadrak, Keonjhar, Balasore and Mayurbhanj. At landfall point near paradip coast on 29th October, 199 the wind velocity is estimated to be 270 to 300 Kms. After hitting the paradip coast, the cyclonic storm with tidal wave of 5 to 7 meters height ravaged the coastal districts of Jagatsingpur, Kendrapara, Khurda and Cuttack. The state capital Bhubaneswar and the commercial hub of the state, Cuttack was completely devastated. All surface communications, telecommunications, proper supply and water supply were totally disrupted for more than 48 hours even in the state capital. The country has not witnessed a calamity of such rare severity during the current century. This study contains the status of Early warning system in Orissa and its socio economic impact of cyclone on some of the vulnerable district of the State.