It was not just nature, but also the government also that was responsible for the loss of lives and property when Cyclone Ockhi hit Kanniyakumari district, social activist Medha Patkar said here on Saturday.
Ms. Patkar, who visited the bereaved families, criticised the government for not mobilising its machinery in time to save the lives of fishermen.
It was unfortunate that Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman did not visit the cyclone-hit villages, she said.
‘Protect coastline’
A government boastful of its victories on the borders could not save the lives of fishermen, who protected the coastline, Mr. Patkar said. Many lives could have been saved had the government taken swift action, she said and insisted that the lost boats of the fishermen be replaced, as money could not compensate for the loss of life.
She said that unlike Tamil Nadu, the Kerala government was more active in the search and rescue operations.
‘Failure to reach out’
It was regrettable that the Kanniyakumari Collector did not visit the coastal villages till the Defence Minister came from New Delhi. Despite using advanced technology, the India Meteorological Department did not warn fishermen of the likelihood of a cyclone at least 36 hours in advance, Ms. Patkar alleged.
