Assessing the impact of damage and government response toward the cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

The cyclone is one of the most frequently occurring natural disaster in all tropical countries that interrupts the socioeconomic development. In India, the rate of cyclone occurrence has increased by almost 30%. Tamil Nadu state, India, becomes one of the most cyclone-prone regions in the country. Severe cyclonic storm Gaja made landfall on 16th November 2018 in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu. It had sustained wind speeds of 100-110 km/h with gusts of up to 120 km/h. The storm brought a significant amount of rainfall of about 140-170 mm. According to the reports, 45 people lost their lives, and 76, 290 people were evacuated from low-lying areas and sheltered in 300 relief centers. In this study, we have discussed strategies on the response after the event, preparedness, relief, recovery operations, rehabilitation, reconstruction, violent conflicts, economic sustainability, infrastructure development, livelihood, and the cause for severe damage and resilience. © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.