The amount of loss and damage recorded is far less than what a storm classified as very severe could have done. The improved forecasting capacities of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the capacity of several agencies to manage a natural disaster of a significant scale should be credited for this.
Source: India.com
Towns and villages that were affected by the storm are already beginning to return to normal. However, it will take a few more days to complete the relief and reconstruction efforts. On June 8, the IMD issued its first cyclone warning, and on June 11 it released an assessment report that showed it would not travel across India as earlier predicted. The track was expected to pass through Gujarat’s Kutch coast and Saurashtra.
This provided adequate time for evacuation and the execution of other emergency management plan components. Tens of thousands of people were moved to safety, and fishermen were warned in advance. Food, medication, and other supplies were prepared for the shelters for rescue and relief.
To guarantee that the plan was carried out effectively, all agencies engaged in disaster management, transportation, food, health, etc., coordinated their efforts. When Gujarat was struck by a significant storm in 1998, it resulted in the deaths of roughly 10,000 people, demonstrating the efficiency of the strategy. This is undoubtedly the outcome of the nation’s expertise managing cyclones and cyclone threats, particularly along the coast of Odisha.
Source: India Today
Over 10,000 people had died in Odisha when a super storm struck the state in 1999. But with effective evacuation plans and other safeguards, it has steadily decreased the losses over the years. The Gujarat model has also been successful in other locations, notably Odisha. However, the nation must advance beyond this.
Evacuation, relief, and return cannot be a long-term strategy, especially given that it is known that climate change will increase the frequency of cyclones and other natural catastrophes. Plans for regulating the coastal zone must be closely followed, and susceptible regions’ buildings and other infrastructure need to be made cyclone-resistant. The development of natural barriers like mangroves needs greater attention. Plans for disaster management should include these.
What do you think about this? Comment below.
