Odisha Reports 147 Cyclone Deaths in 12 Years, Damage Near ₹19,529 Crore

The Odisha Assembly was informed on Thursday by Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari that 147 people died in cyclones between 2014 and 2025 , during which the state was struck by 12 cyclones . The disasters caused losses of about ₹19,529 crore , with Cyclone Titli (2018) and Cyclone Fani (2019) accounting for the majority of deaths and destruction. Beyond fatalities, the storms devastated livelihoods: over 54 lakh livestock perished, more than 8.4 lakh houses were damaged, and nearly 17 lakh hectares of farmland were affected, highlighting the continuing vulnerability of coastal communities despite improvements in early warning and evacuation systems.

Odisha’s high risk is rooted in its low-lying coastal plains , river deltas, and exposure to storm surge flooding . Severe cyclones often inundate large rural areas, damaging paddy fields, fisheries, and drinking water sources while leaving saline deposits that reduce soil productivity for multiple seasons. Although efficient evacuation strategies have significantly reduced fatalities compared with earlier decades, the state continues to suffer extensive agricultural loss , housing damage, and livelihood disruption.

While Andhra Pradesh lies along the same Bay of Bengal cyclone corridor, its impact pattern differs. The north coastal belt, including Visakhapatnam, frequently faces cyclones marked by extreme wind intensity rather than prolonged flooding. Cyclone Hudhud (2014) , with winds approaching 200 km/h , caused catastrophic damage to Visakhapatnam’s infrastructure , including the airport, industries, port facilities, and power networks. Total losses were estimated at around ₹21,000 crore , illustrating the state’s exposure to high-value urban and industrial assets and the potential for concentrated economic disruption.

Agricultural impacts also vary between the two states. Odisha experiences broader farmland exposure as storm surge and flooding inundate coastal tracts, affecting staple crops and fisheries. In contrast, Andhra Pradesh often suffers higher economic loss per hectare because cyclones damage commercial crops, horticulture, and aquaculture in fertile delta regions. Hudhud alone damaged large areas of plantations and horticulture, while subsequent storms have repeatedly affected aquaculture ponds and standing crops, causing substantial financial losses to farmers.

Cyclones have also severely affected livestock and rural livelihoods in both states. Odisha has recorded massive losses of cattle and small livestock over the past decade, intensifying rural distress. Andhra Pradesh has likewise experienced large-scale poultry and cattle losses during major storms, disrupting food supply chains and income sources.

Both states are recognized for strengthening disaster preparedness systems . Odisha is widely regarded as a global model for cyclone management due to its early warning dissemination , cyclone shelters, and large-scale evacuations, while Andhra Pradesh has enhanced technology-driven forecasting , emergency response planning, and infrastructure resilience measures. These efforts have significantly reduced fatalities even as storm intensity increases.

With warming ocean temperatures in the Bay of Bengal contributing to stronger storms and heavier rainfall, experts warn that future cyclones may bring greater infrastructure damage, agricultural loss, and economic disruption. Odisha’s experience reflects large-scale rural devastation driven by flooding and storm surge, whereas Andhra Pradesh faces intense wind damage and concentrated infrastructure losses. Strengthening climate-resilient infrastructure , promoting saline-resistant crops, and improving coastal planning will be critical to protecting lives and livelihoods along India’s vulnerable eastern coastline.