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Cyclone Remal, the first tropical storm of the season, struck eastern India and neighboring Bangladesh on May 26. The cyclone, with winds exceeding 110 km/h, resulted in at least 23 fatalities and left millions without power. In West Bengal, the storm uprooted trees, damaged power lines, and caused significant power outages and home damage. On May 28, officials reported that heavy rains from the cyclone’s remnants caused a stone quarry collapse in Mizoram, killing at least 10 people and leaving several missing. In Bangladesh, 13 people died, and over 35,000 homes were damaged or destroyed, affecting about 3.5 million people in the densely populated country of 170 million.

Mitigation Measures for Cyclones and Storms

To combat the devastating effects of high winds and storms, the UN-HABITAT proposes several mitigation measures: Hazard Mapping: Predict vulnerable areas affected by storms.  Land Use Planning: Avoid key activities and settlements in the most vulnerable areas. Engineered Structures: Build structures that can withstand wind forces to mitigate losses. Retrofitting Non-

Engineered Structures: For example, constructing steep-slope roofs to reduce the risk of being blown away. Cyclone Sheltering: Construct cyclone shelters at national, state, and regional levels.

Flood Management: Design effective drainage systems, requiring government and community participation. Vegetation Cover Improvement: Increase water infiltration capacity by enhancing vegetation cover.

Mangrove Plantation: Mangrove root systems help mitigate tsunamis and soil erosion. Saline Embankment: Protect habitation, crops, and important installations along the coast.

Levees: Act as obstructions to wind forces and provide shelter during floods.

Artificial Hills: Serve as refuges during flooding.

Public Awareness: Increase community participation through awareness initiatives.

The Market for Rain and Storm Protection

Raincoats, waterproofs, rain shoes, and umbrellas are widely used by the public to manage daily routines during challenging weather conditions. With the monsoon season approaching, a variety of colorful protective products will become more visible on the streets.

The global rainwear market was valued at USD 3,864.7 million in 2022 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2023 to 2030. The jackets segment led the market, accounting for 52.8% of global revenue in 2022. Among end-users, the men’s segment led the market, with a 44.2% share of global revenue in 2022. Regionally, Asia Pacific dominated the market, accounting for 39.4% of global revenue in 2022, supported by a large working population in China and India and growing participation in outdoor activities. Additionally, the Indian umbrella market reached a value of INR 11.8 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.1% from 2021 to 2026, reaching an estimated value of INR 15 billion by 2027.

Long-Range Forecast and Market Insights

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) recently updated its Long-Range Forecast Outlook for the Southwest Monsoon Rainfall Season (June–September) 2024. The forecast predicts that the southwest monsoon seasonal rainfall over the country is likely to be 106% of the long period average (LPA), with a model error of ± 4%. Above-normal rainfall is expected over the country during the monsoon season.

In light of these developments, we spoke with individuals connected to the monsoon and related industries. Soumya Das of Ellora Stores said, “Raincoats and umbrellas are mostly bought during the rainy season. We also sell rain shoes, but their sales are lower. Umbrellas are purchased not only during the monsoon but also in summer, so their annual sales are better. During the monsoon, we sell more raincoats than umbrellas. Customers of raincoats are typically men, kids, and some women, while umbrellas are mostly bought by women.”

Ashutosh Srivastava, an employee at MCMIL, shared his experience of Cyclone Remal and the monsoons. “I did not take leave during the cyclone as the weather in our district was not very harsh compared to other areas. There was a delay in reaching the office due to train disturbances, but I went nonetheless. I prefer umbrellas during the monsoon as it is not feasible to wear raincoats while traveling by train.”

Anjali Raghuvanshi, a homemaker, said, “The rainy season has many challenges. Waterlogging and bad road conditions make it hard to travel and meet people. I prefer umbrellas when I go out, but sometimes I have no option but to use raincoats when riding my two-wheeler.” Rishabh Kumar, a Class IV student, said, “I love the rainy season more than other seasons. I love to wear raincoats, jump in the water, and play in the rain.”

Conclusion

As India faces increasing challenges from cyclones and storms, effective mitigation measures and a thriving market for protective rainwear are essential. Awareness and preparedness can help communities better cope with the adverse effects of these natural phenomena.