The management of the ravages of a natural disaster and the process of rehabilitation thereafter is complex. It is a collective challenge for those involved to ensure that their efforts not only mitigate the extent of current damage but also minimise the likelihood of future disasters by addressing the inherent vulnerabilities.
This rule applies equally to corporate disasters from which recovery often seems long and arduous.
The Odisha government's recent successful handling of Cyclone Fani and its aftermath — in keeping the loss of life and numbers of affected people to a minimum —offer valuable lessons in disaster preparation and quick response.