DISASTER MANAGEMENT IN ODISHA

Odisha, often referred to as the “Disaster Capital of India,” frequently faces natural disasters due to its geographical location on the east coast of India. The state is vulnerable to cyclones, floods, droughts, and heatwaves, among others. However, Odisha has emerged as a global model for effective disaster management, transitioning from a state of high vulnerability to one of preparedness and resilience.

Major Disaster in Odisha

a) Cyclones

• Odisha faces frequent cyclones due to its 427 km coastline along the Bay of Bengal.
• Major cyclones:
  • 1999 Super Cyclone: Worst-ever cyclone; over 10,000 deaths.
  • Cyclone Phailin (2013): Massive evacuation of 1 million people; minimal casualties.
  • Cyclone Fani (2019): Affected 1.65 crore people; internationally lauded for zero-casualty strategy.
  • Cyclone Amphan (2020) and Cyclone Yaas (2021).

b) Floods

• Recurring floods in Mahanadi, Brahmani, Baitarani, and Subarnarekha river basins.
• Coastal plains are highly prone due to heavy rainfall and river overflow.

c) Droughts

• Rainfall variability causes drought in western Odisha, impacting Kalahandi, Balangir, and Koraput regions.
• Major drought years: 2000, 2002, 2010, 2015.

d) Heatwaves

• Extreme heatwaves in April-May; highest temperatures recorded at Titlagarh and Jharsuguda.
• 2016 saw over 50 deaths due to heatwaves.

 

e) Lightning & Forest Fires

• Lightning is a leading cause of death in rural Odisha.
• Forest fires affect biodiversity in Similipal, Satkosia, and other reserves.

 

Institutional Framework for Disaster Management in Odisha

a) Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA)

• Established in 2000 after the 1999 Super Cyclone.
• First state-level disaster management authority in India.
• Coordinates disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation.
• Operates Cyclone Shelters, Early Warning Dissemination Systems (EWDS), and mock drills.

b) Special Relief Commissioner (SRC)

• Nodal agency for disaster response and relief distribution.
• Coordinates with district administrations for evacuations and resource allocation.

c) Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF)

• Specialized search and rescue teams deployed in disaster-prone areas.
• Equipped with boats, vehicles, cutting equipment, and medical kits.

d) District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs)

• District-level planning and coordination for disaster preparedness.
• Led by District Collectors as chairpersons.

Key Disaster Management Strategies in Odisha

a) Early Warning Systems

• Real-time satellite monitoring and weather forecasting through IMD and OSDMA.
• EWDS in 6 coastal districts for cyclone alerts via sirens, SMS, and radio broadcasts.

b) Community-Based Disaster Management (CBDM)

• Cyclone Shelter Management and Maintenance Committees (CSMMC).
• Training programs for local volunteers, PRI members, and school children on evacuation drills and first aid.

c) Infrastructure Development

• 879 Multipurpose Cyclone and Flood Shelters with solar power, safe drinking water, and sanitation.
• All-weather roads, embankments, and drainage systems to minimize flood impact.
• Safe housing through Biju Pucca Ghar Yojana and housing for disaster-resilient structures.

d) Evacuation and Relief Measures

• Massive evacuation drills before cyclones.
• Relief camps with food, water, medical care, and psycho-social support.
• Special attention to women, children, disabled, and elderly persons.

Post-Disaster Rehabilitation and Reconstruction

a) Livelihood Restoration

• Cash assistance to farmers and fishermen.
• Employment under MGNREGS and Odisha Livelihood Mission.

b) Housing and Infrastructure

• Cyclone-resilient houses under PMAY and state housing schemes.
• Reconstruction of schools, health centers, and roads.

c) Health and Nutrition

• Mobile health units and special health camps post-disaster.
• Nutritional support to pregnant women, children, and malnourished populations.

Odisha as a Global Model in Disaster Management

Achievements

• Zero Casualty Approach: Praised by the UN and World Bank after Cyclone Fani (2019).
• JAGA Mission: Recognized for urban slum improvement, which includes disaster preparedness.
• UN Sasakawa Award (2013) for excellence in disaster risk reduction.
• Odisha’s disaster management has been replicated by other Indian states and cited in global climate resilience reports.

Challenges in Disaster Management in Odisha

1. Climate Change Impacts
   • Increased frequency and intensity of disasters, especially cyclones and heatwaves.
2. Vulnerable Populations
   • Tribal regions and remote areas still lack adequate preparedness.
3. Infrastructure Gaps
   • Need for more cyclone shelters and all-weather evacuation routes in interior districts.
4. Capacity Building
   • Continuous training and awareness programs are necessary to maintain community preparedness.

Recent Initiatives for Strengthening Disaster Resilience

a) Odisha Climate Resilient Agriculture (OCRA)

• Promotes climate-smart agriculture to reduce drought vulnerability.

b) Odisha Disaster Preparedness Week

• Annual awareness campaign across districts, schools, and communities.

c) Mo School Abhiyan

• Inclusion of disaster education in school curricula.
• Disaster preparedness mock drills in educational institutions.

d) Digitization and GIS-Based Mapping

• GIS mapping for vulnerability assessment.
• Bhulekh Odisha portal to manage land disputes post-disaster.

Conclusion

Odisha has transformed from a disaster-prone state to a global leader in disaster risk reduction and resilient development. The state’s institutional framework, early warning systems, community participation, and innovative policies have made it a role model in disaster management.

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