Orissa Super Cyclone

          Cyclones are one of the most disastrous natural hazards in the tropics. Orissa has experienced floods, drought and cyclones over the years. The super cyclone of Oct 29 was totally different one. Traumatized people in the 14 coastal districts never witnessed such a cyclone and it was believed to be most severe of its kind. A severe Cyclonic storm hit Orissa coast in the year 1999. October 29 is considered as a black day for the whole Orissa which make millions of people homeless and 20 thousand people dead. Super cyclone with winds 260-300 km/h hit the coast of orissa with severe storm surge which raises the sea level up to 30 feet higher than normal. Millions have been stranded or left homeless in Orissa state. At least 15 lakh marooned and 25 lakh houses have been estimated to be either totally destroyed or damaged in the coastal district of Orissa. Kendrapada and Jagatsingpur was declared as worst affected areas. Communication difficulties continued flooding and looting continue to hamper relief measure after the cyclone. Many cyclone victims die out of hunger and disease. Others stand along the highways waiting for packets of rice and water to be dropped from the Government helicopters. Many voluntary organizations took an active part in the relief measures.