Odisha could tackle recurring cyclonic storms Phailin and Hudhud due to adequate and foolproof preparedness, said chief minister Naveen Patnaik.
Speaking on the occasion of “Disaster Preparedness Day' and 'National Day for Disaster Reduction', he said, “Our preparedness for cyclone Hudhud was fail proof. This was possible due to proper planning, preparedness and continuous capacity building for the last 15 years. With the creation of Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), we have concentrated more in building capabilities, through structural and non- structural interventions, to face disasters.”
The chief minister said, the state government has constructed 350 multipurpose cyclone and flood shelters in disaster prone areas. Besides, an additional 459 shelter buildings are under construction out of which 256 are financed by the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
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All units of the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire service wing have been strengthened with the provision of modern equipment and regular training. These units have proved their effectiveness during Phailin and Hudhud, both in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, Patnaik said.“All departments have been asked to integrate disaster resilience features in their ongoing reconstruction programmes. Beneficiary oriented schemes in agriculture and housing & urban development departments will be augmented to include post disaster recovery plans”, he added.
Identifying awareness as the key to disaster management initiatives, Patnaik said, “Over the years, the awareness level of general public, especially local communities of vulnerable areas has improved adequately. The involvement and participation of people in disaster preparedness and response efforts has been our strength.”
The very severe cyclonic storm Hudhud that made landfall near Visakhapatnam on October 12 this year has severely affected the southern and central coastal districts of Odisha.
More than 247,000 people in Odisha were evacuated and shifted to safe shelters. Sixteen units of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), 10 units of ODRAF and 1265 fire services personnel were deployed in rescue operations.