Hudhud attack brunted, follow-up is critical
Timely planning and effective implementation of those plans in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha have managed to contain the loss of lives to around half a dozen in the wake of the Hudhud cyclone that lashed the coastal parts of the two States. While it is true that the destruction to property has been vast and widespread, the aftermath could have been worse but for the near immaculate coordination between the States, the Centre and the National Disaster Response Force. The cyclone had snapped the crucial communications and power networks in Visakhapatnam, and yet there was no chaos of the kind we witnessed in the case of recent floods in Jammu & Kashmir. The basic difference between the two incidents is the manner in which the catastrophes were handled. The State administration in J&K was completely missing from action; its warnings to the people were not given effectively enough; nor was any real effort made to evacuate the vulnerable. It was eventually left to the brave soldiers of our Armed Forces to virtually single-handedly come to the rescue of the population. There was also a complete lack of coordination among the various agencies. Almost a similar situation had existed when flash floods had wreaked havoc in Uttarakhand. It is clear that everyone concerned had learned lessons from past experiences this time around, including from the last cyclone, Phailin. Incidentally, even Phailin's brunt had been contained as a result of efficient handling of the crisis. In a gesture that must be replicated in similar unfortunate circumstances, Odisha, which has not suffered as much as Andhra Pradesh, has promptly agreed to help in relief and restoration efforts in Andhra Pradesh after the latter sought assistance. The good thing about the success in managing the crisis is that it has shored up the confidence of the authorities. The Odisha Government has set for itself a target of ‘zero casualty' from such natural disasters. Needless to say, it is something that other States should work upon. Odisha had been among the worst sufferers in the past — a huge storm that hit the State in 1999 had claimed nearly 4,000 lives.
The impact of effective coordination helped the NDRF evacuate nearly 13,000 people in the two States. The Army, the Navy and the Air Force were all ready to contribute, with a clear line of command. According to reports, naval ships were on standby with relief material for at least 5,000 people even before the cyclone hit the States. While the States were effectively doing their bit to combat the crisis, the Centre was constantly in touch and reviewing efforts through the National Crisis Management Committee. It goes without saying that, but for the timely evacuation, the human casualties in both Andhra Pradesh and Odisha would have been enormous.
But, while the immediate fury of Hudhud has begun to wane, many challenges lie ahead, and the good work done so far by all agencies concerned can go in vain if the after-effects are not handled efficiently. The States face the danger of floods given that heavy rains have been forecast. The State and the Central agencies have a lot of work at hand, and they cannot afford to be complacent. The follow-up measures, including Central financial aid, are critical.