THE OTHER SIDE: NDMA

Cyclone Phailin

Cyclone Phailin is a tropical cyclone formed in Gulf Of Thailand in October 2013. It developed and eye and became half the size of India as it reached the Indian Ocean. It affected the coastal areas of Thailand,Myanmar and India including Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It was predicted by Indian Meteorological Department that this cyclone was much bigger and intense than cyclone Katrina which hit United States Of America in the year 2005 and thus devastation caused by it would be much higher.

But first time in the history of India,state government agencies along with NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority) were prepared after IMD's (Indian Meteorological Department) warning. IMD's predictions were also proved true which in itself is a big achievement because most of its prediction about weather made by them went wrong.The reason behind that is Japan Meteorological Agency was also monitoring this tropical depression, anyways this is another point of discussion but the fact which I like to highlight is the alertness shown by Indian agencies in handling the situation is worth mentioning.

Odisha was also affected by cyclone in the year 1999 in which many lives were lost and property worth millions were destroyed. After this cyclone many changes were made in the way of working of the agencies in spreading warning to remote areas the result of which is that about 550,000 people were evacuated and moved up from the coastlines of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to safer places in time. The efforts were admired by world over. It also proved that if government wish than it is possible to complete the task in time and with full efficiency. Odisha and Andhra Pradesh governments responded well to the situation and really deserve a grand salute.

People may not have lost their lives but their homes,their occupations have destroyed by this cyclone which will take a while to restore.We should pray for their well being and speedy recovery from this disaster.

UBC Day 14

Flash Flood In Uttarakhand

Flash floods in Uttrakhand which have killed hundreds,made homeless to thousands and made losses of lacks in that region again exposed our preparedness for natural disasters. Government sources said that it will take around three years for life to be back to normal there,thousands still are missing and search operations are still running.

This is not the first time that flash flood has hit Uttarakhand,it's a yearly phenomenon only difference this year is that it's too early and more intense. It also open our eyes to the threats posed in altering our natural landscapes by building excessive roads and houses by cutting mountains and trees. Even after having a National Disaster Management Authority( NDMA) we failed in early flood forecasting and our after disaster arrangement also lacked preparedness.To minimise the effects of such disasters there is a need for better weather equipments and expertise to deal with such situations. There should be proper alarm systems to alert people in such flood prone areas.

The other side of this issue is that several state governments have rushed to the rescue and aid to the affected area as pilgrims and tourists stranded hailed from all parts of the country,many state governments had announced financial aids to Uttarakhand along with the central government and also helping in rescue operations. May God help those who are stranded and missing. There is also a need for a planned development strategies according to the geographical area so that we may not interfere with stable natural conditions.