The most destructive features associated with land falling Tropical Cyclones are the (1) Strong gale force winds (2) Storm surges and (3)Torrential rains. The storm surge which raises the water level in the eye of the cyclone is the worst effect of tropical cyclone and accounts large number of deaths. Strong winds combined with gentle slope of the sea floor can increase the surge height. The houses very close to the shoreline are at risk. The strong winds may also uproot trees which may injure and kill people and damage houses, vehicles, and property.  Uprooting of trees and electric posts can also expose the community to face the risk of injury and electrocution.

Pre-Disaster - Cyclones

The cyclone warnings are issued by IMD in four stages.

The First Stage warning known as “PRE CYCLONE WATCH” issued 72 hours in advance contains early warning about the development of a cyclonic disturbance and its likely intensification into a tropical cyclone..

The Second Stage warning known as “CYCLONE ALERT” is issued at least 48 hrs. It contains information on the location and intensity of the storm, likely direction of its movement, intensification, coastal districts likely to experience adverse weather and advice to fishermen, general public, media and disaster managers.

The Third Stage warning known as “CYCLONE WARNING” issued at least 24 hours in advance of the expected commencement of adverse weather over the coastal areas. Landfall point is forecast at this stage. These warnings are issued at 3 hourly interval giving the latest position of cyclone and its intensity, likely point and time of landfall, associated heavy rainfall, strong wind and storm surge along with their impact and advice to general public, media, fishermen and disaster managers.

The Fourth Stage of warning known as “POST LANDFALL OUTLOOK” is issued at least 12 hours in advance of expected time of landfall. It gives likely direction of movement of the cyclone after its landfall and adverse weather likely to be experienced in the interior areas.

Different colour codes are used in the cyclone warning bulletins. 

Post Disaster

• After the Cyclone, it becomes necessary to assess the Damage.
• A committee may be formed to identify missing person, dead and injured and assess the damage of properties, loss or injured of livestock, loss of crops, agricultural lands, etc for providing suitable relief.
• Removal of debris; Clearing the fallen trees; Restoring power lines; Restoration of basic Infrastructure - All of this  requires a massive effort  and will  need special mobilization of  extra manpower.
• Teams for Disposal of Dead Bodies and Disposal of Carcasses will need to be organised on war-footing where the casualties have been high.
• Spoilt foodstuffs that are dumped on the road will need to be disposed.
• Air dropping of food and essential commodities in the inaccessible areas of cyclone and rain affected may need to be considered by the District Administration.
• Food Arrangement where accessible will need to be arranged. Cooked or dry food will need to be provided at the Shelters.
• Sufficient clothing and blankets will need to be provided to the affected people to ensure their dignity, safety and well-being.
• Warm and inner clothes and additional clothes will need to be provided to Children, sick, elders, women and widows.
• Immediate restoration of roads to motorable condition.
• Mobilising Earth moving machineries like JCB, Tractors etc.,