[Answered] How do cyclones affect the socio-economic fabric of coastal communities in India, and what long-term measures can be implemented to mitigate these impacts?

Cyclone Michaung has swept through India’s southern coast, causing extensive flooding in Chennai and disrupting normal life. With India experiencing numerous cyclones annually, effective disaster management measures are crucial to mitigate damage. Severe tropical cyclones consistently impact 8% of the geographical area in 13 Coastal States and Union Territories, highlighting the persistent need for proactive measures.

Effect of the cyclone on the socio-economic fabric of coastal communities

• Infrastructure Damage: Cyclones can lead to the destruction of homes, leaving people homeless and vulnerable. Cyclones impact transportation, communication, electricity, water supply, roads, bridges, and ports disrupting transportation networks and making it difficult for people to access essential services.
• Livelihood Disruption: Agriculture and fishing are major sources of income for many coastal communities. Cyclones can cause financial loss by destroying crops and interfering with fishing operations. Communities that depend on animals for farming and other purposes may lose livestock as a result of cyclones.
• Education and Health: Damage from cyclones might hinder communities’ ability to obtain emergency medical assistance. Damaged or unusable schools might interfere with children’s education and negatively affect their prospects in the long run. Post-cyclone conditions can lead to the spread of waterborne diseases, creating a public health crisis.

Long-term measures to mitigate these impacts

• Preparation and Early Warning Systems: Allocate resources to enhance meteorological technology for precise and timely cyclone predictions. Establish and execute efficient early warning systems to notify communities well in advance. Regularly organize drills and awareness initiatives to educate communities about evacuation procedures and enhance overall preparedness.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project: It aims to bolster the resilience of coastal regions by promoting sustainable environmental practices. The initiative involves mapping areas prone to vulnerability, advocating for conservation efforts, and implementing sustainable livelihood strategies for the benefit of local communities.
• National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP)-NCRMP, supported by the World Bank, aims to enhance the preparedness and resilience of coastal communities. This is achieved through the construction of cyclone shelters, infrastructure development, and improved access routes for effective evacuation.
• Coordinated efforts– Effective disaster management requires coordinated efforts among various agencies, such as the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), IMD, and local administrations.

Conclusion

Implementing a combination of these measures can contribute to the long-term resilience of coastal communities in India and mitigate the socio-economic impacts of cyclones.