Fatal negligence
ONCE again, the nation's lack of preparedness and poor disaster management have been exposed. A severe cyclonic storm travelling at a speed of 180 kmph ravaged the coastal districts of East and West Godavari in Andhra Pradesh, killing over 1,000 people and displacing about 70 lakh. All this damage has occurred despite the government's claim that the meteorological departments were equipped to meet such calamities. According to an official of the Delhi-based Indian Meteorological Department, the heavy death toll could have been avoided if better radars were installed.
The four-hour-long cyclone, accompanied by three-metre-high tidal waves ripped through coastal Andhra Pradesh, destroying crops and property worth thousands of crores of rupees. The worst-hit was the fishing village of Balasutippa where there were hardly any survivors. The cyclone also caused heavy damage to the aqua-farming sector. According to government figures, over 1,650 freshwater fish tanks in the two districts have been severely affected. About 3.36 lakh ha of paddy which was ready for harvest in the two districts was washed out.
Related Content
- Order of the High Court of Orissa regarding death of a young girl in the premises of the school due to negligence of the authorities, Odisha, 11/08/2022
- Delhi tops the country in fatal road accidents and in number of pedestrians and cyclists falling victim, says new CSE assessment
- State to seek ADB funds for improving roads
- Negligence, substandard CNG kits can turn cars into death traps, warn experts
- Animal shots Anaesthesia meant for cattle in Hamidia, 'used' on a patient
- Radiation talk