Post-Disaster Suffering: Amphan Cyclone in East Coast on India

Abstract

The Indian subcontinent with a long coastline of 8041 km experiences nearly about 10% of the world’s tropical cyclones. Among the cyclones originated in the Bay of Bengal, more than 58% hit the east coast. Though on an average two to four tropical cyclones hit India every year, most of these cyclones impact the states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu situated in the east coast. Due to frequent occurrence of cyclones, these states experience major casualties such as loss of life and properties and severe damage to infrastructure. The super cyclonic storm Amphan made landfall in West Bengal on 20 May 2020 which caused widespread damage in West Bengal and Odisha states of India with loss of 128 human lives. The chapter assesses impact of these fatalities on surviving members of the families based on their original experience through qualitative research and reports of grief-focused journalism after the event. The study reveals that when the member of a family dies of natural hazards, it naturally leaves the survivors in distress on multiple fronts, viz., economic, social, and psychological. The chapter recommends workable measures for the survivors to secure their livelihood, food, nutrition, shelter, and physical and emotional well-being.KeywordsLandfallFatalitiesTraumatic stressLivelihood insecurity