The Devastating Impact of Cyclone Amphan: Damage, Recovery and Lessons Learned

Cyclone Amphan, a powerful and deadly tropical storm, caused widespread devastation across East India and Bangladesh. This event marked the formation of a super cyclone in the Bay of Bengal since 1999, underscoring the severe climatic challenges faced in these regions (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Scope and Scale

The storm made landfall on Wednesday, May 20, 2020, at sustained wind speeds of 155-165 kmph, peaking at 185 kmph (Cyclone Amphan, 2020). The damaging effects were profound, affecting multiple districts in India and Bangladesh, resulting in significant loss of life and property (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Impact in India

In India, the cyclone hit seven districts of East Bengal, including South (24) Paraganas, North (24) Paraganas, East Medinipur, West Medinipur, Howrah, and Hooghly, as well as Kolkata (Cyclone Amphan, 2020). The physical impact was extensive, with homes destroyed, thousands of trees uprooted, electric poles damaged, and numerous farms ruined (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The capital city, Kolkata, faced particularly severe damage. Flooded roads submerged many vehicles, and trees uprooted led to severe damage to electric poles and other parked vehicles. The power supply was cut off in vulnerable districts, and the loss of standing crops and plantations is anticipated (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

West Bengal, which reported 72 deaths, including 15 in Kolkata, faced the brunt of the storm. Additionally, two fatalities were reported in Odisha, including an infant crushed when the mud wall of the family’s hut collapsed during heavy rain (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The state has reported significant economic losses, estimating a $13.2 billion toll (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Response and Recovery

In response to the cyclone, the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Fund, Kolkata police, fire services, and West Bengal state police are working tirelessly to manage the situation. A state and district-level interagency group coordination mechanism has been activated (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

State and local authorities have also received support from organisations such as UNICEF, which is monitoring the situation alongside government departments. The focus is on public health, particularly as it relates to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The UN Office in Bangladesh estimated that 10 million people were affected, with half a million families potentially losing their homes. The storm caused significant damage, including the destruction of nearly 55,000 homes, the majority of which were made of tin, mud, and bamboo (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The storm also caused substantial destruction in the Sundarban forest, affecting the livelihoods of thousands of farmers. Mangrove forests, home to iconic Bengal Royal Tigers, faced severe damage due to seawater intrusion (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Special Focus: Cyclone During a Pandemic

The unfolding pandemic context makes the situation in Bangladesh even more critical. The cyclone forced nearly 2 millionpeople into shelters, causing significant logistical challenges. However, improved weather forecasting and better preparedness measures helped minimise the loss of life. The government managed to set up over 12,000 shelters, fully stocked with masks, sanitizers, and other essential products (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

However, the overcrowding in shelters raises concerns about the spread of coronavirus. The humanitarian organisation WaterAid warned that water sources could be contaminated by the cyclone, complicating hygiene efforts to combat the pandemic (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The impact on the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, housing a million displaced individuals, was equally severe. Around 300 shelters were damaged, and 60 were fully destroyed. The storm also triggered flooding, landslides, and blocked drains in several refugee camps, but fortunately, no casualties were reported (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Lessons Learned and Future Precedents

The events of Cyclone Amphan highlight the need for improved disaster preparedness, especially during the ongoing pandemic. The massive evacuation of nearly 2 million people indicates a significant improvement in response and management of such emergencies (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The destruction of Sundarban Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscores the vulnerability of natural habitats. The region's agro-community, relying heavily on rice-based farming, faces long-term economic challenges (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

The response and recovery efforts also serve as a model for other regions facing similar natural disasters, illustrating the importance of collaborative and coordinated international assistance (Cyclone Amphan, 2020).

Conclusion

The aftermath of Cyclone Amphan serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing environmental and socio-economic challenges faced by East India and Bangladesh. While the destruction is palpable, the resilience of the local communities and the effectiveness of international aid efforts provide a glimmer of hope for recovery and future preparedness.