Cyclone Yaas: Impact on Kolkata and West Bengal in 2021

Cyclone Yaas, a powerful and destructive storm that swept through the northeastern states of Odisha and West Bengal in May 2021, brought severe weather conditions, extensive damage, and unprecedented challenges to the affected regions.

Rewriting the Term "Yaas""

It's important to clarify that the term "Yaas" which has its roots in Persian and means "Jasmine," a tree celebrated for its fragrance, is often mistakenly spelled as "Yash." "Yash" in Sanskrit symbolizes success, splendor, and magnificence, a word predominantly used in Indian naming traditions.

Nature and Impact of the Cyclone

On May 26, 2021, Cyclone Yaas emerged over the ocean and wreaked havoc in Odisha and West Bengal. The cyclone's force was comparable to the devastating Cyclone Amphan that hit Kolkata and its surrounding areas in May 2020, causing widespread destruction. The wind speed peaked at 155 kmph, causing significant damage to infrastructure and evacuating millions from their homes.

Over a crore (10 million) people were evacuated, and an estimated 3 lakh (300,000) homes were damaged. The storm led to the displacement of over a crore people and rendered many homeless. The cyclone's intensity resulted in loss of lives, including three, and extensive damage to infrastructure and properties across the region.

Evacuation and Rescue Operations

Before the cyclone hit, the West Bengal government had put in place a robust evacuation plan, mobilizing more than 15 lakh people. Despite these comprehensive measures, the storm still affected nearly one crore people, leading to widespread destruction of approximately 3 lakh houses. Additionally, hundreds of embankments were breached, leading to severe inundation in low-lying areas.

The cyclonic storm also caused the uprooting of numerous trees, collapse of properties, and severe tidal surges that inundated several coastal areas. In Balasore in Odisha, the region experienced heavy rainfall, with Chandbali recording 273 mm in a single day.

Preparatory Measures and Relief Operations

To address the aftermath, the government, through the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), along with the army, are conducting rescue and relief operations in the flood-affected areas. They are providing aid to those who need it, ensuring power restoration, and initiating rehabilitation efforts.

The Central Team has visited both states to assess the damage, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made aerial surveys to understand the extent of the damage. Post-storm, multiple political parties have requested the declaration of a National Calamity, reflecting the scale and severity of the disaster.

The century of destruction is visible through the scenes of devastation that have emerged. These scenes, as depicted in photographs and videos, capture the full extent of the suffering, highlighting the immense impact of Cyclone Yaas on both Odisha and West Bengal.

Join us in supporting the victims of this natural calamity. Let's come together and help these hapless individuals recover and rebuild their lives.