Mangrove forests significantly mitigated impact of Cyclone Dana along Indian coast

[Ajay0]

Mangrove forests significantly mitigated the impact of Cyclone Dana along Odisha's coast in eastern India. The dense mangroves near near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port helped reduce wind speeds and prevent severe damage to structures, proving essential in the region's defense against natural disasters.
 

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/how-mangroves-in-odisha-likely-reduce-cyclone-danas-impact/articleshow/114861057.cms
 

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The cyclone made landfall close to the Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port in Odisha at 3:30 a.m. on October 25. However, the cyclone was prevented from wreaking havoc on the area, both due to the vigilance of the authorities—who had evacuated one million people to cyclone shelters - and the mangrove trees of Bhitarkanika.

The mangrove forests significantly buffered the winds, reducing the cyclone's impact, though some branches were broken in the process.

 

In 2023, the world's economic loss from natural disasters was estimated at $380 billion.

Using natural resources like mangrove forests to reduce the impact of super-storms and cyclones is one example or case study of using nature itself as a means to fight natural disasters effectively and reducing substantially the damage caused in the process.

[Ajay0]

Odisha (An Eastern State In India) has decided to Expand Mangrove Forests In Coastal Areas For Cyclone Protection

https://orissadiary.com/odisha-to-expand-mangrove-forests-in-coastal-areas-for-cyclone-protection/

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The mangrove forests (hental bana) in Bhitarkanika National Park played a crucial role in reducing the impact of Cyclone Dana, which recently hit Odisha’s coast. While government efforts were important, the mangroves acted as a natural barrier, disrupting water flow with their roots and leaves. Environmentalists noted that better infrastructure alongside these mangroves could further minimize cyclone damage.

In response, the Odisha government has announced plans to expand mangrove and casuarina plantations along the coast to strengthen natural defenses against cyclones.