Crawling Back to Normalcy: The Super Cyclonic Storm ‘Amphan’ Brings West Bengal to a Complete Halt

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Abstract

The onset of the super cyclonic storm Amphan in West Bengal, India, was a package of petrifying winds, consistent rainfall, collapsing trees, overflowing sewages, shattered glass windows, blown off roofs and many other things to recall and revisit. The Super Cyclonic Storm ‘Amphan’ was a powerful and deadly tropical cyclone which caused widespread damage in West Bengal and Bangladesh on 20th May 2020. Regions such as Kolkata, Hooghly, Howrah, East Midnapur, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas in West Bengal were all massively affected by the cyclone. It also caused significant destruction in Bangladesh and parts of Odisha. This article is an ‘ethnographic’ account of the experience of the Amphan winds and the collateral damage affecting the social and ecological structure at large. The article intends to enlighten the extent of damage and the recovery process after the catastrophe. Additionally, it is held that the state along with its citizens must contribute with rational/efficient ideas towards the protection and preservation of the environment - especially when global warming lies at such a tipping point.