At a Bengal shelter, the refrain: ‘Every time we come here, we wonder if our home will be there’

The coastal region of West Bengal is witnessing an uptick in the number of cyclones in the past one decade. Cyclone Amphan of May 2020 was the most devasting one. With a wind speed of 260 km/h, the super cyclone flattened large parts of the state’s coastal belt overlooking the Bay of Bengal.

Manasi Panda, who lives in a mud house at Mondala village, said that she gets gripped by fear whenever she comes to know about an approaching cyclone. “Whenever a cyclone is predicted, I get panic attacks… It’s not easy to rebuild your home after such a disaster,” she said.

The Mondala multipurpose cyclone shelter, where around 650 evacuees can stay, was built in 2019. The same year, the region was battered by two cyclones – Fani and Bulbul. The next year, Cyclone Amphan battered the region, followed by Cyclone Yaas in May 2021. In October 2022, the region witnessed Cyclone Sitrang, followed by Remal in May 2024.

Equipped with the power generators, the shelter home has played a crucial role in protecting residents during the cyclones in the past. Cooked food is also served to those taking refuge.

There are 851 relief camps and shelters in the state, the Chief Minister said. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

Most of the residents of the shelter home hail from flood-prone villages of Padima 1, Padima 2, and Tagachari 2, which have been facing a slew of natural disasters, including floods. “Our focus is on the most vulnerable villages, which have been hit hardest by past cyclones. We have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of our residents,” said BDO Puja Debnath.

Class 10 student Subham Dolai, who is preparing for his Madhyamik exams, has come with his books. “I had lost all my notebooks and books in Cyclone Amphan. I can’t take any risks. Therefore, I brought all my books,” he said.

Dark clouds loom over Kolkata as cyclone Dana is set make landfall in Odisha tonight. (Express photo by Partha Paul)

The district administration has made special arrangements to lodge both humans and animals. “We realised that may people were reluctant to leave their cows, hen, and other pets behind. So, we have created a safe and separate space for animals on the ground floor of the shelter home,” said Arbindo Sanpui, panchayat development officer, Ramnagar block 1.

Meanwhile, Lokhi Panda, who will appear for Madhyamik (Class X state Board exam) in 2026, prays there are no cyclones next year. “For me, next year is crucial as I have to appear for Madhyamik. I hope we won’t be hit by cyclones next year,” she said.