Tropical Cyclone Aila (2009): Disaster Consequences and Disaster Response in Satjelia Island, Indian Sundarban

Nabendu Sekhar Kar Junior Research Fellow, Department of Geography, University of Calcutta, 35 Ballygunge Circular Road, Kolkata-700019, West Bengal, India
naba1224@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The severe tropical storm Aila, the landfall of which coincided with spring high tide at Indian Sundarban on 25 May 2009, caused most widespread inundation of the region in recent times. One of the most affected inhabited island of the area—Satjelia (5056.15 ha, in 2001 or 863 persons/km₂ in 2011)—is studied for assessment of vulnerability of the reclaimed islands of Indian Sundarban from tropical storms like Aila. For this purpose primary data and information are gathered from questionnaire survey during 14–17 January 2010 in three selected hamlets of Satjelia Island,situated in western and eastern margin and inland locations respectively. No pre-alert was reached to the islanders because of remoteness of the area, having no electricity and access to any sort of electronic and print media. The storm surge breached the marginal embankments and furious waves plundered everything on its way. Islanders were basically mere spectator of nature's fury and saved their lives by reaching higher places. Effects of resulting salinization of agricultural lands and water bodies, large scale migration of working males, food insecurity, will remain for years. The islanders are unhappy with the relief and restoration works by the government authorities and discontinuance of support after initial thrust.

Keywords: Tropical cyclone, Aila, Sundarban, Embankment breaching.

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