Andhra Pradesh better prepared for cyclones 12 years after Hudhud, officials say

A cyclone shelter and community hall built for fishermen families at Kotha Jalaripeta in Visakhapatnam. | Photo credit: IN PARADISE

Twelve years after Cyclone Hudhud made landfall near Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh is better equipped to face cyclones with earlier forecasts, targeted warnings and a steady response, officials said on Tuesday, the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction.

Prakhar Jain, executive director of the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA), said the state’s capabilities had improved “by leaps and bounds” since the cyclone hit on October 12, 2014. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is now sharing the expected track, landfall area and intensity three to four days in advance as the European nation draws on opensource models. IMD radars at Visakhapatnam and Machilipatnam are monitoring the system.

Working with the Real Time Governance Society (RTGS), APSDMA has compiled departmental databases so officials know where hospitals, vulnerable pregnant women, grocery stores and dwellings are located that are usually cut off, Mr. Jain said. This data overlaps the forecast. The public can track the advisory on the AWARE platform at knowledge.ap.gov.in.

Developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), SACHET sends alerts based on cell tower location and reaches everyone in the zone, regardless of whether the authorities hold their numbers. During the last cyclone, Montha, vibration alerts supported by SMS, IVRS calls and Tom-tom notifications were sent in selected areas. Telecom service providers are placing mobile communication vans in high impact areas and satellite phones have been issued to districts. After landing, the damage is assessed using satellite images and drones.

The state has about 220 multipurpose cyclone shelters. District collectors, who head district disaster management offices, convert schools and other buildings into relief camps as needed.

Eswara Rao Gade, Inspector, Regional Disaster Response Center (NDRF), Visakhapatnam, said the unit has a permanent camp in Visakhapatnam under the 10th Battalion since 2015. Two teams of 35 people remain ready, with boats and equipment. The NDRF trained State Disaster Response Force personnel, Apada Mitra volunteers and National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme cadets and conducted safety programs in every high school in the city. Mr Gade said the risk of cyclones has reduced as mitigation and preparedness of stakeholders has improved.

Mr. Jain said that the state has significantly improved flood management. Lightning, which affects individuals rather than entire dwellings, called for greater awareness and sharper forecasts, he said. The state is working with research institutions and will install electric field meters to improve detection as part of the NDMA pilot project.

The United Nations, which celebrates the day on October 13, framed this year’s theme of “Resilience Begins at Home” around safe, affordable homes that can withstand hazards, a goal that depends on sound planning, building standards and community participation.

Mr. Jain said household awareness is equally important. “Regardless of external efforts, if we are not very aware of the protocols to be followed when a warning or an alert is issued, it would hardly translate into action or visible impact,” he said. Basic precautions such as staying away from trees and poles during lightning would help reduce casualties, he added.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 23:33 IST