This day that year: Victims of ’99 super cyclone revisit fateful day

The great cyclone of 1999, one of the most devastating natural disasters in Odisha's history, marked its 26th anniversary on October 29. Though the super cyclone made landfall on October 29, 1999, near the Jagatsinghpur, Ersama area, it left an indelible mark on the Astaranga region in Puri and on the entire coastal Odisha.

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The cyclone unleashed winds reaching speeds of 260 km/h, accompanied by a storm surge that devastated coastal communities. It resulted in nearly 10,000 fatalities across Odisha, with Astaranga alone witnessing over 160 deaths, and caused widespread destruction to homes, crops, and livestock.

As cyclone Montha threatens heavy rains in Odisha, the memories of that catastrophic day 26 years back remain vivid and painful for survivors. The fury of nature left everything defeated. Even after 26 years, the scars are vividly remembered by the residents of Astaranga area in Puri district. The pain still brings tears to their eyes. Though the landscape of the affected region has changed drastically, yet the terrifying memories of the catastrophic cyclone linger, evoking deep sorrow in the hearts of those who lost their loved ones.