People-Centred Early Warning System: ‘Last Mile Connectivity’ During Cyclone Titli In Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh

Authors

  • Biswanath Dash Assistant Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Humanities and Social Science, BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad
  • Meena Jagirdhar Divisional Panchayat Raj Officer, Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Telangana, Hyderabad, Telangana

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2022/v41/i1/172459

Keywords:

Early Warning System, Cyclone Titli, Last Mile Connectivity.

Abstract

The paper examines ‘last mile connectivity’ from a multi-hazard Early Warning System (EWS) perspective to situate it within a broader societal context, highlighting the role of continual communication with warned vulnerable populations as a critical requirement. Taking the case study of a very severe tropical cyclonic storm Titli that struck the coastal district of Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh, India, in October 2018, the paper identifies specific gaps within the conception of ‘last mile connectivity’ and calls for a shifting focus from ‘early warning delivery’ to greater integration with local needs and capabilities. It shows that the effectiveness of EWS depends on several factors, including uncertainties under which people negotiate to receive the warning, inter-departmental coordination, power and communication facilities, and accountability of local authorities.

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Published

2022-03-01

How to Cite

Dash, B., & Jagirdhar, M. (2022). People-Centred Early Warning System: ‘Last Mile Connectivity’ During Cyclone Titli In Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. Journal of Rural Development, 41(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.25175/jrd/2022/v41/i1/172459

Issue

Volume 41, Issue 1, January-March 2022

Section

Articles
Crossref
Scopus
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Europe PMC

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