India's western states lack critical infrastructure for cyclone management

States lag in installing saline embankments and underground cabling to ensure continued supply of services.

Extremely severe cyclonic storm Tauktae, which hit southern Gujarat's Saurashtra coast on May 17, brought heavy rain to all seven states and union territories (UTs) on India's western coast. Thousands of uprooted trees damaged residences, vehicles and essential infrastructure such as electricity lines. Around 150,000 people had to be evacuated in Gujarat. At least 90 people died.

The damage has drawn into sharp focus the need for adequate disaster mitigation infrastructure like shelters, all-weather roads and embankments in light of increasing cyclonic storms on the west coast. Installation of this infrastructure, however, has not kept pace in this region, official