India's Coastal Vulnerability: Cyclones, Climate Change, and Resilience Strategies

In late October 2025, the landfall of Severe Cyclonic Storm Montha off the coast of Andhra Pradesh caused significant damage to crops, power supplies, roads, and transport infrastructure. The cyclone, with wind speeds of around 100 km/h and heavy rainfall, affected over 87,000 hectares of crops in Andhra Pradesh alone, with impacts also reported in Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh. The total damage has been estimated at 6,384 crore, and Andhra Pradesh has sought 901.4 crore in immediate relief from the central government.

India's vulnerability to tropical cyclones is increasing due to climate change and sea-level rise. A recent study found that tropical cyclones were responsible for 28.6% of weather-related deaths in India between 1970-2019. The North Indian Ocean, where many of these cyclones originate, is one of the six major regions in the world prone to such storms. Warmer sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea, up to 1.4°C higher compared to four decades ago, are fueling the rapid intensification of these cyclones, leaving little time for effective evacuation and disaster management.

However, improved forecasting capabilities and better preparedness have helped reduce cyclone-related casualties in recent years. Initiatives like the National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project and the establishment of state-level disaster management authorities have enhanced India's resilience. Going forward, a holistic approach focusing on community-based disaster risk management and early warning dissemination systems can further strengthen India's ability to withstand the impacts of these devastating storms.