India avoided Massive disaster

Indian Authorities were well prepared ahead of the arrival of the deadly storms of Phailin Cyclone and has avoided massive destruction.

The world is praising Indian authorities and relief forces for taking unprecedented step in saving life of lakhs of people residing along the coastal areas of North Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Phailin was the deadliest cyclone in last 14 years with the speed of around 200 KMPH. A severe cyclone had hit the same region in 1999 and caused substantial  loss of lives. India learned the lesson from its past.

India prepared well to meet the deadly storms

Weather forecast department of India had warned in advance and issued high alerts for the coastal regions of Northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Warning for complete suspension of fishing activities was issued.

The Indian Authorities adopted “Zero Life Loss Policy” and evacuated more than 9 lakh civilians to safer places in the states of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. This is one of the largest evacuation processes in India ever.

The Central Government, the state governments, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Indian army and Navy, the state disaster response forces, the press and the civilians all came together to do everything possible to minimize the impact of the deadly storms of Phailin Cyclone. Control room was set up to combat any any emergency crisis.

The states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, both, have their own disaster management team and were working hard to avoid any disaster.

In Orissa, NDRF had deployed 1200 personnel and 500 personnel in Andhra Pradesh.

Food packets were arranged before the landing of the Phailin Cyclone. Helicopters were ready for rescue operation and food dropping.

99 trains were cancelled and routes several others were diverted.

The Air Force was ready with helicopters and planes to carry relief operations. The Indian Navy was ready to precede for the relief operations in the worst affected areas. Naval ships with doctors, food, clothes and other relief materials were also arranged. 600 buildings were identified to be prone to high danger of Cyclone Philian.

A cargo ship carrying 18 persons that went missing for a day has been rescued.

The power ministry was also on high alert and ready to swiftly act to restore any power failure. However, due to flood, complete restoration of power may take some time.

Though, the death toll is kept at minimum, still the Cyclone Phailin caused massive destruction of crops, agricultural land, mud houses, etc. Now the focus of the State Governments of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh has shifted from evacuation to timely supply of relief materials. The rehabilitation of the people affected by the Cyclone is still a major challenge.

( Last updated: October 17, 2013)