The study is based on investigations and collection of necessary information on the super cyclone in Orissa in October 1999. It examines cyclonic phenomenon in the country in general and Orissa in particular, and stresses the need for preparing a comprehensive plan for dealing with such disasters. The phenomenon of cyclone and cyclonic surges have been explained and the factors affecting storm surge in the Bay of Bengal described such as the topographic effects on the wind field, coastal flooding, wave set-up, river flooding, change in topography due to sediment transport, geological setting and climate. Cyclones have been classified based on the magnitude of the combined effect of wind velocity, surge height and rain amount. The distribution of the National Hydrological Stations in the coastal belt of Orissa has been presented.