Letter to BS: Odisha govt did a sterling job in disaster management

A few more lessons are worth considering by all

Business Standard 

cyclone Fani, cyclone, Visakhapatnam
Clouds loom ahead of cyclone Fani in Visakhapatnam. Photo: Reuters

This refers to “Standing up to Fani” (May 6). The piece illustrates the various aspects of the super and rightly gives the credit to state government, disaster management authorities, local administration, meteorological department and many more for a tough job done well.

A few more lessons are worth considering by all. First, maximum thrust on pucca houses in coastal areas needs a separate policy, as every such event has confirmed. Secondly, the care of the animal wealth of those displaced, especially automatic insurance coverage of their animals and quick settlement of claims, need policy prescriptions. Thirdly, why can’t we store pre-cooked food and drinking water for a few days, at 1,000 shelters, relieving the volunteers for other, more urgent jobs. Fourthly, low mortality may dampen the national spirits to come forward to rehabilitate the people who have lost their everything.

Y P Issar Karnal

can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:

The Editor, Business Standard

Nehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

New Delhi 110 002

Fax: (011) 23720201 • E-mail: letters@bsmail.in

All must have a postal address and telephone number

First Published: Mon, May 06 2019. 21:36 IST