Tears Beneath the Eyes and the Pain Beneath the Chest Haven’t Stopped
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24 Years Since the Super Cyclone
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From Kakatpur – Report by Aditya Kumar Raut, October 29
Today, marks the 24th anniversary of the catastrophic day—October 29, 1999—a black day in the history of Odisha. On this day, the devastating super cyclone struck the state. Although the cyclone made landfall near Paradip, its impact lasted for nearly 50 hours, wreaking havoc across Odisha.
The coastal districts of Jagatsinghpur, Puri, and Cuttack were left utterly devastated. According to official reports, around 10,000 people lost their lives, and more than 500 were reported missing. However, in reality, the death toll was believed to be much higher. Both humans and animals were left homeless. There was a severe scarcity of food, drinking water, and clothing. Domesticated animals perished like flies. While small and large trees were uprooted, the mangrove forests along the coast were washed away into the soil.
Now, 24 years have passed. With the state government’s reconstruction efforts and aid distribution, the appearance of the coastal region has changed significantly. Permanent houses and concrete roads have been built in many villages. The government’s improved disaster management has reduced the loss of life and property during natural calamities.
However, those who directly experienced the wrath of that super cyclone, who lost their families, relatives, and loved ones before their very eyes, still cannot forget the destruction it brought. The tears under their eyes have yet to dry, and the pain in their hearts remains.
Even today, the uprooted banyan trees lying on the ground in Nuagaon village under Astarang block, and the abandoned temple in Udayakani village of Shishua Panchayat, stand as silent witnesses to the devastation of the 1999 super cyclone.
Although 24 years have passed—bringing social changes, new roads, village developments, and government offices—whenever a low-pressure system forms over the Bay of Bengal, people in Astarang, Kakatpur, Nimapada, Gop, and Konark lose sleep in fear.
May Lord Jagannath protect Puri district from experiencing such a super cyclone ever again.
