INTRODUCTION Braces for Phailin, NDMA Sends Troops

of action — on which department will do what and when once the cyclone strikes — has been drawn up in detail.

The state government has held meetings with international NGOs to draw up a roadmap to tackle the aftermath of the cyclone.

The National Disaster Management Authority is facilitating local efforts in Odisha, mobilising rescue teams and sending equipment to possible hot spots.

The NDMA has deployed nearly 2,000 personnel of the National Disaster Response Force in , Source: www.rediff.com Odisha and . he Odisha government is ministry had issued detailed T preparing for Cyclone Phailin — guidelines for preparedness for the Nearly 4.4 lakh people have been which is expected to hit the east coast impending cyclonic storm as early as evacuated from danger zones so far on Saturday evening (October 12, on October 9, 2013. in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. 2013) — on a war footing, Mihir Bhatt from the All India Disaster Mitigation Control rooms have been set up in "This might be the second biggest Institute, who is part of the Ganjam and other nine districts, evacuation exercise undertaken since precautionary preparation, told mobile phone numbers have been 1990 when six lakh people were Rediff.com. updated and verified, leaves have evacuated in Andhra Pradesh," said been cancelled to have almost all the NDMA Vice-Chairman M Shashidhar "The Red Message, the highest alert staff on stand-by, and food and relief Reddy. from the Indian Meteorology stocks are being kept in readiness. Department in Delhi, is not only Block Development Officers have Rescue and relief teams have been concise and to-the-point, but is also visited cyclone shelters to keep them positioned in vulnerable coastal areas usable to a large extent by the local ready for the likely influx of those of the three states. Some additional district officials. The alert also enlists fleeing from the cyclone. teams have also been kept as reserve. where and what type of damage is expected to shelter and The Odisha government has ensured Twenty nine teams of the NDRF have infrastructure," he said. that there is enough coordination been deployed along with rescue among the various ministries, from equipment in Odisha. In Andhra The Orissa State Disaster panchayati raj to social welfare. A plan Pradesh, 15 teams have been Management Authority (OSDMA) deployed and four additional teams team and the ministry for disaster The NDMA has deployed nearly are also being rushed from Tamil management are managing the 2,000 personnel of the National Nadu, while seven teams have been largest-ever evacuation exercise in Disaster Response Force in deployed in West Bengal. the state and planning large-scale Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and relief preparations. Various The teams have been equipped with departments have taken an initiative West Bengal for preparedness for satellite phones and wireless sets to in preparedness. The panchayati raj Cyclone Phailin. maintain smooth communication.

2 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVE UNISDR on Phailin Preparedness Source: NDTV.com

orldwide efforts are made to As the cyclone approached, many Lives have been spared but economic Wreduce losses due to disasters. villagers tried to stay behind to losses are already high—in rural Heat is one example where safeguard their land and livestock agriculture, fisheries—this will have preparedness paid. India witnessed a during the worst of the storm but long term consequences on people in major cyclone over the week end almost none were unaware of the the region who are among the most which could have killed hundreds of coming danger said witnesses, which poor. An estimated 5,000 sq km of people if an effective early warning is a big change. mostly paddy crops have been and response system would not have destroyed by the cyclone causing an been put in place. People knew about the coming storm expected loss of some $320m (£220m). and were able to take some measures Recovery in Delta will take time. Cyclone Phailin hit the to reduce their exposure. Early on the eastern coast provinces (states) warning messages sent out through With some of the world's warmest of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha on cell phones and TV channels helped waters, the Indian Ocean is considered Saturday with winds over 200 kmph saving lives even in the most remote a cyclone hot spot. The Bay of Bengal and heavy rainfall. The cyclone killed rural areas. A boom in the region is among the most vulnerable fifteen people so far, an astonishingly construction of cement houses, in the world to the effects of climate low number considering the 12 schools and businesses is said to have change, and experts have predicted million people who live in the provided also crucial shelter to that storms are likely to become more storm's path. villagers who had somewhere to go intense and frequent. for safety. Thanks to an efficient early warning Citizens and authorities saved lives system and rapid evacuation "We have been able to keep the death with determination. Same measures deployed by national and toll to a bare minimum," said Shri determination will help address the local governments, nearly 500,000 Shashidhar Reddy of the national challenge of loss of livelihoods of the people were able to be evacuated in disaster management authority to poor in coastal areas. time and moved to higher grounds reporters in Delhi. In 1999, a similar – Madhavi Ariyabandu and and safer cyclone shelters. cyclone killed 10 000 people. Brigitte Leoni, ISDR, Sri Lanka

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 3 DISASTER RISK REDUCTION National Disaster Management Authority's Role in Cyclone Phailin

his article tries to take an It should be noted that the evacuation Army columns and helicopters and T objective view of all the work of people from vulnerable places was fixed winged aircrafts from Indian Air done by the National Disaster the key to the successful preventive Force were moved nearer to the Management Authority (NDMA) as measures. As the number of cyclone impact area at safe distances. The preparedness to tackle the threat of shelters were less than the population Indian Navy and the Coast Guard Cyclone Phailin that hit coastal which was to be evacuated, a number helped the fishermen and ships which Odisha and Andhra Pradesh on of other buildings, like schools, were caught in the grip of Cyclone October 12, 2013. community halls, office complexes Phailin. Central Medical teams were and other buildings away from the kept ready to be moved at short Cyclone Phailin struck with adequate effect of expected storm surge were notice. Although the States had warning. Hence the administration identified and people were shifted to catered for rations, water and was able to take preventive measures these places 48 and 24 hrs before the medicines in each shelter for 36 hours, to save precious lives and very severe cyclone Phailin hit the Centre also kept rations to be moved infrastructure. The India Gopalpur area of Odisha. The safe forward as and when the need arose. Meteorological Department (IMD) is places were also stocked with rations, The Indian Railways were informed the nodal agency that issues early water and medicines. A number of not to run trains in the impact area warnings for . Since the difficulties were experienced in till the cyclone passed over the area. Orissa Super Cyclone of 1999, a lot of evacuation of the people, especially The Department of Communication modernisation has been undertaken elderly people who were not and National Highways Authority of for correct and timely early warning. prepared to shift and wanted to stay India (NHAI) kept their resources The early warning starts from the back. Peer pressure from the family (men, material and machines) ready time the System is formed members, relatives, village head men to be moved at a short notice to (Depression). The first warning is was brought about through restore the communications and "Cyclone Watch", given 72–96 hours volunteers. At places the Police had make the roads pliable for before the land-fall. From then on a to use limited force to evacuate the responders. close watch is kept on the cyclone's people to identified safe places. movement, its speed, direction and NDMA also kept the media informed likely areas of land-fall. The NDMA also placed 56 teams of the on the movement of the cyclone as information is gathered through National Disaster Response Force also the measures taken to minimise satellite imageries and Doppler (NDRF) at the vulnerable places as a its effect. radars deployed at vulnerable places, proactive measure, with reserves for with over-lap, sensors in the sea and each of the two states and West Visible Effects of NDMA's Proactiveness through the ships. The second Bengal, kept in interior places. The The preparedness measures taken by warning called "Cyclone Alert" is States were also advised on where to NDMA bore the required results. Due given 36–48 hours before the Land- keep their State Disaster Response to the war footing measures taken by fall and the third warning called Force personnel to avoid duplicity of NDMA, India responded in a robust "Cyclone Warning" is 24 hours before efforts. The NDRF personnel, the only manner to Cyclone Phailin. the cyclone hits the land. This is when force of its kind in the World, which the evacuation is ordered by the is highly trained exclusively in Due to the prevention, mitigation and District Collector. The last warning disaster management and has the preparedness measures undertaken is the, "post land-fall alert", when the state of the art equipment, also helped by all the concerned stakeholders, viz. eye of the Cyclone hits the land, the district administration in the States, Union Government, NGOs giving the direction it will follow, evacuation of population as also or the community at large, the loss of with speed of wind and rain fall informing them on actions to be taken life was restricted to 33 casualties. It prediction. by them at different timings. impressed the world and the UN so

4 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 needs to be ensured that no epidemic is spread as a result of the stagnant waters of the storm surge. Rehabilitation and reconstruction work have simultaneously started to restore normalcy which is going to take some time. Odisha will recover in due course of time with financial support from the Union Government, other States and the corporate world and organisations/individuals, for a change! We in India should feel relieved and proud that we have been able to face a very severe cyclone, with minimal collateral damage. We should give a pat to the ones who deserve it – NDMA is one of them, besides the Govt of Orissa and Andhra Fishermen pull a boat from the waters of the Bay of Bengal to safer ground at Pradesh and the IMD. Come on Podampata village in Ganjam district in the eastern Indian state of Odisha Indian media, say a few words of October 11, 2013. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer praise for all who deserve! – Brig. (Dr.) B.K. Khanna, much that the latter has requested the There are challenges yet at the ground Senior Specialist in NDMA, Ministry of Govt. of India to permit it to be used level, as the people have to be fed in Home Affairs, Govt. of India; as a model of response for other relief camps, as a large number of and countries to emulate. houses have been destroyed. It also Nina Khanna, Ph.D. Research Scholar in Disaster Management

MANUAL What Every District Collector in Odisha Must Read?

he Manual on Administration of Governments/UTs seeking TState Disaster Response Fund and additional financial assistance. The National Disaster Response Fund is one revised items and norms of assistance, thing each district collector must read instructions and formats for to start the relief and recovery work. submitting of monthly/annual reports relating to the response funds This is not only important for better are highlighted in it. The overall governance but also generating a objective of the revised manual is to greater impact an accountability of further streamline the entire process toe relief and recovery work after of timely release of funds for disaster cyclone Phailin. response and making the processing of financial assistance proposals Disaster Management Division, smoother and quicker. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India has revised its The district collector who will be Manual on Administration of State addressing livelihood loss issues may Disaster Response Fund and National need to find out more information Disaster Response Fund in 2013. In from the Government of Odisha. But the event of a severe natural disaster it is up to the District Collectors to this manual is a guide in preparation make things more gender sensitive The manual can be viewed at http:// of Memoranda to the State with the help of this manual. ndmindia.nic.in/OM-NDMC-170413.pdf.

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 5 EARLY WARNING Movement of Phailin Over Indian Sub- Continent

1 Octber 8, 20132 Octber 10, 20133 Octber 11, 2013

4 Octber 12, 20135 Octber 13, 20136 Octber 14, 2013

1. Low pressure zone over the Andaman and Nicobar Island group in Indian Ocean giving rise to cyclone formation. 2. The Depression taking shape of a massive cyclone 'Phailin' over the waters of bay of Bengal. 3. Phailin gathering strength and it became one of the strongest cyclone to hit Indian Ocean before making landfall. 4. The eye of Phailin approaching coastal belt of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh as they prepare for one of the worst cyclone impact. 5. The cyclone enters Indian landmass moving northwards and gradually losing strength. 6. Phailin, after landfall turns more into a depression zone bringing heavy rainfall over the states of Odisha, , , , and eastern parts of . 7. The cyclone can be seen as a low pressure zone and accompanied by 7 Octber 15, 2013 heavy, torrential rains over the covered area. Source: Images of Bay of Bengal picked up by ICIMOD MODIS.

6 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 OPINION Leadership during Cyclone Phailin

he prompt response by the T government apparatus of Odisha to cyclone Phailin is evident in the minimal loss of life witnessed in the aftermath of this disaster. It seems that the government of Odisha has redeemed itself from the infamy that it earned following the human tragedy that took place after the 1999 super cyclone in the state resulting in 9894 casualties1.

While the government of Odisha has been praised for its preparedness level, the stewardship of Chief

Minister Naveen Patnaik to see his Source: www.indianexpress.com state through this dark hour deserves noted and praised by Ms. Margareta various community members. The a special mention as well. Firmly Wahlström4 (special representative of swiftness of the ongoing recovery believing that disguised opportunity United Nations Secretary General). and rehabilitation process which is an inevitable concomitant of any Ms. Wahlström congratulated the resulted from quick decision making crisis, the Chief Minister identified Chief Minister over the phone. at the top also bears testimony to the the opportunity of showcasing the effective leadership of the Chief preparedness levels of his Another remarkable feature of Minister of Odisha. administration to the country during Mr. Patnaik's leadership during this crisis. cyclone Phailin was the fact that he Perhaps the greatest achievement of gave a carte blanche or a free hand to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is that The state administrative machinery officials and people's representatives he has restored the faith of the common went into full swing at the behest of to achieve his vision of zero casualties man in the ability of the state to take the Chief Minister as soon as the in the cyclone. The Chief Minister's pre-emptive measures to avert large warning of the cyclone started to trust in his ministers and the scale tragedies. It can only be hoped disseminate. The effective response bureaucrats working under them was that this response by the state of of the state government was fully vindicated by their competence Odisha under Naveen Patnaik serves evidenced in massive and forceful and commitment. For instance, as a benchmark for future disaster evacuation drives conducted in the Mr. Surya Narayan Patro, a minister responses in a country still coming state. For, as many as 10, 13,647 people of the Odisha government reached to grips with an epic tragedy that had been evacuated from the coastal out to listen to as many voices as struck Uttarakhand just a few months areas in the state2. The state possible during the cyclone. He took back. A new standard of leadership government was ably supported by decisions by consulting people from has been set. Let us hope that the Chief the UNDP in its efforts to effect an various quarters, right from the head Ministers of other states are able to evacuation on a scale unprecedented of the Indian Meteorological live up to this new standard when the in the recent history of India. Department to the district collectors next disaster strikes. (of the affected districts) to the The contributing factors which led to minimal loss of life from the cyclone 1 Facing Disasters Saving Lives Preparing for cyclone PHAILIN 2013, http:// www.osdma.org/userfiles/file/Sashidhar%20Reddy-15%2010%202013.pdf are better weather monitoring, 2 Facing Disasters Saving Lives Preparing for cyclone PHAILIN 2013, http:// formalising of standard operating www.osdma.org/userfiles/file/Sashidhar%20Reddy-15%2010%202013.pdf procedures, coordination among 3 Cyclone Phailin: We must all follow lessons Patnaik learned from 1999. Read various agencies, mass evacuations, more at: http://www.firstpost.com/india/cyclone-phailin-we-must-all-follow- preparation of cyclone relief spaces and lessons-patnaik-learned-from-1999-1170481.html?utm_source=ref_article 4 UN appreciated Odisha Government for effective handling of cyclone Phailin. more3. The Chief Minister's effective See more at: http://www.orissadiary.com/ leadership during this crisis was also CurrentNews.asp?id=44894#sthash.ZXssw9N4.dpuf

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 7 RISK REDUCTION Reducing Loss and Damage of Poor

A case of non-life insurance protection mechanism

programmes prepared in the field of financial business services. Demand of microinsurance is very huge and constantly increasing. There are several factors contributing to this reality including frequency of disaster event due to high vulnerability, increasing population and awareness of insurance.

The poor and vulnerable families really required microinsurance that cover non-life component especially shelter and livelihood. Single party cannot do this effectively. A combination of insurance companies and non-government organisations with focus on effective facilitation and time-to-time follow up with poor communities can produce desired Phailin cyclone at Puri on October 13, 2013. Photo: AIDMI. result. The above-mentioned case is he World Bank has praised India's microinsurance that covers life and one such initiative. Tevacuation of nearly 10 lakh non life both. The pilot is people in Odisha and Andhra implemented through joint efforts. For microinsurance to be successful Pradesh, which ensured minimal loss Concern Worldwide India facilitated — for the insured and for the risk- of human lives, before the cyclone the process in Odisha; AIDMI bearers — many elements are Phailin made landfall and attributed provided technical support; SWAD, important; such as simple and it to its years of disaster management Puri based organisation affordable insurance products preparedness.1 The lessons learnt implementing the policy and reaching large numbers of people; from 1999 super cyclone was very covered 950 poor and vulnerable stream-lined administration, helpful to community and Odisha families living in Puri district of including premium payment; a government. However the impact of Odisha.2 simplified claims procedures and cyclone is severe when we see the verifications; and rapid delivery of affected shelters, livelihoods, The opportunities for development benefits. If most of these elements are agriculture field. The economic loss are extremely restricted by different present, it can be possible for is huge in coastal districts of Odisha, conditions like political, economic, microinsurance schemes to become especially poor localities. living in disaster prone areas like sustainable, to perform well and to coastal areas prone to cyclone, floods provide "real value" to the poor. From Cyclone Phailin, we must learn as was seen in Cyclone Phailin. – Prashanta Bahera, to reduce the economic impact on Through different micro finance and United India Insurance Co. Ltd., community especially on poor insurance policies, the poor could Bhubaneswar community. One realistic option is – attain a better standard of life through

1 The Hindu (October 2013) http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/world-bank-praises-indias-phailin- evacuation-efforts/article5247063.ece?homepage=true; Access on October 18, 2013 2 Process Documentation: Microinsurance for Disaster Risk Reduction (2012) AIDMI with Concern Worldwide India. https:/ /www.concern.net/sites/www.concern.net/files/media/resource/process_documentation.pdf.

8 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 THEMATIC When Preparedness Works: The Case of Cyclone Phailin

he preparedness to mitigate the Authority (OSDMA) merit a special Programme (UNDP) for Tadverse impacts of cyclone mention. The OSDMA was coordination and cluster Phailin has invited praises from all instrumental in coordinating preparedness as well as the visiting corners. With the death toll resulting between various government CDKN global chief for ways to from the cyclone being 25, the departments to affect this mass integrate climate change and preparedness level in the face of this evacuation. For instance, the development concerns in natural disaster has been exemplary1. Panchayati Raj Department, goaded preparedness from evacuation to by the OSDMA issued detailed rescue teams. This advice included The greatest contributing factor to the guidelines for preparedness for an ways to reduce mismatch between minimal loss of human life resulting impending cyclonic storm as early as what citizens expect and what public from this cyclone is the mass October 9, 2013. Similar preparedness institutions can deliver. Loss of evacuations that took place in Odisha activities included the setting up of livelihoods of women, especially and Andhra Pradesh. In Odisha alone control rooms in Ganjam and other during evacuation was discussed. 700,000 people have been evacuated nine coastal districts, updating and from the coastal districts to various verification of the mobile numbers Thus, it can be inferred that it was the storm shelters. The evacuees were put of all public officials, the cancellation active and assertive coordination up in some 20,000 cyclone shelters, of the holiday leaves of all back-bone between various departments that schools, colleges and other safe places. staff on stand-by and stocking food helped in making preparedness In Andhra too close to 80,000 people and other relief material at the drive by the government of Odisha have been evacuated which was district level. for Cyclone Phailin successful. 2 responsible for minimal deaths . 1 After Cyclone Phailin, Odisha battles Another important reason for the floodshttp://zeenews.india.com/ This raises the question of what successful preparedness during news/nation/after-cyclone-phailin- actually worked to lead to minimal cyclone Phailin is that the odisha-battles-floods_883201.html loss of life. All evidence points to the Government of Odisha (GoO) sought 2 Phailin's trail, http:// www.downtoearth.org.in/content/ indomitable will of the state counsel from the best in the field: phailins-trail government to effectively plan and United Nations Development coordinate the one of the largest evacuation exercises that in India in recent history. The state government in its efforts was also supported by an empathetic and alert centre government that was wise enough not to dictate decisions to the state government. The uniqueness of the preparedness efforts for this cyclone was that the centre facilitated the processes that were initiated by the state government.

The efforts of the Odisha State Disaster Management Phailin cyclone at Puri on October 13, 2013. Photo: AIDMI.

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 9 DISASTER RECOVERY Gender Balanced Recovery Post Cyclone Phailin

he minimal loss of life resulting resources and life saving skills such imperative to have a gender sensitive Tfrom Cyclone Phailin has as swimming and tree climbing1. recovery post Cyclone Phailin seems relegated this disaster to the indispensable2. periphery of our collective The recovery of Cyclone Phailin consciousness. For, as news of the presents an opportunity to carry out Gender issues are inextricably linked minimal loss of life post Cyclone a gender sensitive recovery in India. with all aspects of disaster recovery Phailin started to circulate, the quota At a time when gender is one of the cutting across several themes. Unless of eyeballs, column inches and news weakest areas of humanitarian these issues are addressed clinically, channel specials to be expended on response, the moral and pragmatic all recovery efforts will fail when this disaster waned considerably. But before we heave a collective sigh of relief, certain important issues need to be addressed and certain uncomfortable questions need to be answered.

Among these issues and questions of importance, is the ongoing recovery process. The importance of the recovery process emanates from the devastating economic loss and the increased vulnerability of floods in Odisha following the cyclone. Thus, a renewed focus on recovery efforts in the post disaster situation has become imperative.

Within the broad area of a robust recovery, the issue of gender parity in the recovery process needs special attention. It is almost conventional wisdom that women bear a greater burden of disasters than men. The source of the greater vulnerability of women to disasters is the difference between the socially determined roles of men and women. This difference in turn, perpetuates a reduced access to resources and decision making powers to women. The most common manifestation of this difference in socially determined More relevant efforts accelerate recovery, roles of men and women is the broaden positive impacts, and build resilience limited access of women to food

1 A Practical Guide to Gender Sensitive Approaches to Disaster Management, http://www.ifrc.org/PageFiles/96532/ A%20Guide%20for%20Gender-sensitive%20approach%20to%20DM.pdf 2 Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance in Humanitarian Action, 2005, http:// www.humanitarianinnovation.org/about/alnap

10 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 Phailin cyclone at Puri on October 13, 2013. Photo: AIDMI. assessed on the parameters of gender sanitation, health, livelihood districts and certain sectors of parity. In order to have a gender recovery, etc. The diagram aptly Odisha? sensitive recovery for Cyclone portrays the outcomes to be expected 4. Are there gender specialists in Phailin certain basic conditions need out of a gender sensitive recovery place to sustain increased gender to be met. These conditions include process4. equality in areas where it exists? mainstreaming gender in recovery 5. How can gender parity be institutions, identifying gender Thus, it is proposed that a gender increased in other sectors like specific recovery needs, engaging parity review of the recovery effort emergency, transport, city women in recovery initiatives and in Odisha post Cyclone Phailin is development, rural facilitating a gender balanced taken up to address the following infrastructure, etc. in Odisha after economic recovery3. important questions: Cyclone Phailin? 1. Is there a decreasing impetus on Such a gender sensitive recovery plan gender themes in relief and The state government of Odisha has will lead to certain indicative recovery projects? justifiably won many accolades for outcomes which include an equitable 2. Is there an uneven distribution its stellar handling of the disaster distribution of resources in recovery of loans and grants addressing situation resulting from Cyclone between men and women, increasing gender concerns in relief and Phailin. It is sincerely hoped that just the visibility of women's issues in all recovery? as the Odisha government has set a areas of humanitarian action such as 3. Is there limited visibility of new benchmark in preparedness housing, human settlements, water, gender equality in certain levels in response to Cyclone Phailin, similarly it sets a new standard of an 3 Guidance Note on Recovery, http://www.unisdr.org/files/ increased gender sensitive recovery 16775_16775guidancenoteonrecoverygender1.pdf post the cyclone for others to 4 Guidance Note on Recovery, http://www.unisdr.org/files/ emulate. 16775_16775guidancenoteonrecoverygender1.pdf

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 11 DISASTER PREPAREDNESS The Act and the Actions

he remarkable success of cyclone the report is Shri P. K. Mishra who is • How was preparedness TPhailin related preparedness in famous for aiding the recovery of monitored and evaluated at the Odisha calls for a third party thousands of victims of the 2001 state and district levels? comparison of the Disaster Gujarat Earthquake. • What worked in terms of Management Act, 2005 of preparedness from the decade Government of India and the actions We do not know when the Task Force long education, information, and taken to be prepared for cyclone findings will be put to use to revise communications inputs at the Phailin by the Government of Odisha. the Act but what we can do is district level? How do the Act and the actions match compare the national act and the • How did the private sector and up? What does one say about the actions taken on the ground and find businesses respond to the other? ways for other states to be as effective preparedness call by the as Odisha in preparing for the next authorities? In fact there is a detailed Report of possible disaster. the Task Force of Government of The above list is only indicative and India that conducted the review of the Such a comparison warrants a special by no means exhaustive. It can be Disaster Management Act, 2005 for focus on the following four key expanded and be used to develop a Ministry of Home Affairs, questions: detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) to Government of India in March 2013. • How would preparedness have set up an Odisha Task Force to capture been different if it were a slow the lessons emerging out of the The resulting report is detailed and onset disaster such as a severe preparedness actions. meticulous. The main person behind drought?

CAPACITY BUILDING Human Resource and Capacity Development after Cyclone Phailin

o what are the human resources institution analysis. It is a useful But this is not enough. Such a plan Sand capacity development needs document to start work for Phailin. must go beyond the NIDM work in of Odisha after cyclone Phailin? Who the following areas: will estimate these needs? And how Odisha must take this plan and evolve (a) Building capacity for innovations these needs will be addressed? In fact it further. Similar rapid need in shelter reconstruction; how do we start thinking about it? assessment as well as institutional (b) Developing trainings for And needs will be different at analysis in coming weeks can be done accelerating economic growth in different level and in different by Government of Odisha by agriculture field; sectors. excellent local institutions such as (c) Develop tools to watch and catch Xavier Institute of Management new and original ideas on ways Luckily National Institute of Disaster Bhubaneswar (XIMB) or Kalinga to revive micro enterprise; and Management (NIDM) has published Institute of Industrial Technology (d) Use of social media for guiding a detailed report on Human Resource (KIIT) or other. There are many other and informing remaining and Capacity Development Plan for able institutions. The main purpose recovery but also upcoming Disaster Management and Risk of making such a plan is to come up preparedness. Reduction in India for the with capacity gap as well as priorities Government of India in 2013. In many of training needs. With these two Human resource and capacity ways it is a Human Resource Plan for details time frame and budget can be development are as important as Disaster Risk Reduction in India, with worked out to be included in recovery rebuilding income and assets for detailed need assessment as well as purposes. sustainable recovery in Odisha.

12 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT A Day before Cyclone Phailin

lot is known about what A happens after a disaster strikes. However, little if any knowledge resources are available that describe what transpires before a disaster strikes. The war like footing preparedness measures of the Odisha government before the advent of Cyclone Phailin provide such a rare opportunity to peek into the important events taking place before disaster in the form of Cyclone October 10, 2013. Photo: AIDMI. Preparation for cyclone Phailin: An emergency meeting called by Odisha State Phailin struck Odisha. The following Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Special Relief Commission is a summary of the important events (SRC) to allot responsibilities to humanitarian agencies. and activities taking place in Odisha to enhance its preparedness in the face Response Action Force (ODRAF) essential goods such as kerosene, of an imminent Cyclone Phailin. have been positioned in vulnerable water, keeping important documents areas; and that immediate relief food in plastic bags and moving to closest The All India Disaster Mitigation Institute was being prepared for the people. shelters or safer locations. (AIDMI), which is championing Odisha's unique and pioneering Humanitarian organisations were Mrs. Binapani Mishra, Secretary of a experience in reducing risk, allotted responsibilities to reduce the community based organisation established and facilitated a series of duplication of relief efforts in an called the Society for Women Action meetings for Dr. Sam Bickersteth, emergency pre-Cyclone Phailin Development (SWAD) in Puri district Global CEO, Climate and Knowledge meeting called by the Odisha State related how the sarpanch and the Development Network (a global Disaster Management Authority panchayat ward members kept on network in key 74 developing (OSDMA) and the Special Relief receiving early warnings and alerts countries to mitigate and manage Commission (SRC). This meeting was from state government to work climate change) when he visited attended by several national NGO towards achieving the goal of zero Odisha in October 2013 to learn from and international NGOs. Shri casualties by evacuating the villages the UN Development Programme, Ambika Prasad Nanda, State in the most vulnerable and low lying civil society and the government Programme Officer at UNDP, Odisha areas to safer locations or cyclone about climate smart disaster and explained how humanitarian shelters. development initiatives in Odisha. organisations can play an active role by mobilising thousands of Odisha has set an example for the rest Shri Arvind Behera, a long standing volunteers across the cyclone-prone of India by using all the resources national expert on disaster risk region that are trained in first aid and efficiently in the pre-disaster stage. reduction explained the first ever can support evacuations and aid This efficient planning of initiative of Odisha post the super distributions post disaster. preparedness activities in the pre- cyclone 1999; and how that has been disaster state is perhaps the greatest useful for taking preparedness actions A visit to Balapur village (Puri reason behind the minimal loss of life against cyclone Phailin. district) by AIDMI and CDKN after the cyclone. Other reasons members along with discussions with include the constant monitoring of Shri Surya Narayan Patro, Minister the community members helped to weather patterns and warnings, clear of Revenue and Disaster understand if the early warnings had instructions to district authorities, Management, Odisha shared his reached the communities and if the positioning of relief materials and views about how the intensity and necessary preparedness actions were teams well in advance, coordination frequency of climate related extreme taken by the community. The with the central government for events have increased. He further community members said that they defence and other agencies' assistance, added that defence and other agencies were cutting the tree branches (as a and most importantly, the evacuation such as National Disaster Response preventive measure to stop deaths by of a large number of vulnerable Force (NDRF) and Odisha Disaster branches falling on people); stocking citizens to safe locations.

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 13 KNOWLEDGE SHARING Advice from Dr. Ian Davis to Students Seeking Work in Cyclone Phailin Relief and Recovery Photo: AIDMI.

1. Understand basic principles of minorities, the elderly, those in busy assisting groups working disaster risk management climate prison etc in the areas. Observe the change adaptation and recovery sheltering and recovery Note the many examples to be 5. Examine the way local hazards processes, seek ways to found in various sets of guidelines are managed understand the varied interests What structural and non- and standpoints in recovery 2. Read around these subjects structural measures are being management: Read as widely as possible, used in your locality to manage • Survivors role noting the old maxim "read when floods, landslides, earthquakes, • Local Government you write and write when you high winds etc.? • Local NGO's and local read…" institutions 6. Build your knowledge • International NGO's 3. Become involved with Keep in touch with the subjects • International Donors community dynamics of DRM, CCA and general • Private Sector Gain experience as a volunteer Development Practice through • Local leaders in community initiatives and the media, Google searches and social action wherever you live, local societies with an interest in Such visits are also extremely in order to understand how social development. useful many months or years communities operate, patterns of after a disaster, when it is leadership, and their 7. Become better qualified possible to note long term relationships with other groups Become as highly qualified as recovery progress, or the and local government. you can through attending short opposite courses and post graduate 4. Work with vulnerable people courses or modules 9. Develop your own disaster plan Within your locality, find ways Put into practice what you have to support and encourage 8. Gain first- hand experience learned as protection for yourself communities in need: people Visit disaster recovery sites and your family. with special needs, ethnic without becoming a burden on

14 southasiadisasters.net Special Issue, October 2013 PREPAREDNESS Field Updates: Cyclone Phailin

n October 12, 2013 at around O13:30 hours, Vishal Pathak and Khyati Halani, team members from the All India Disaster Mitigation Institute (AIDMI) visited Jaipur village in the Puri district of Odisha to assess the preparedness of the community ahead of the advent of cyclone Phailin expected to make landfall between 18:00-20:00 hours at Gopalpur.

It was observed that the community members were moving to safer locations such as schools and pucca buildings with important documents and materials. In addition to this, several trees have been felled by community members as pre-emptive Photo: AIDMI. measures to prevent death caused by There has been continuous rain severely affected. It has also been trees falling over people during or accompanied with strong winds observed that the government has after the cyclone. All these actions since last night, i.e. October 11, 2013. undertaken a massive evacuation provide incontrovertible evidence This explains massive power outage. drive. Considering the severity of the that not only has the community It is expected that as the cyclone gets impending cyclone, it can be safely received the early warning messages closer to the coast the communication inferred that immediate relief will be but have taken them seriously as and transport facilities will be needed post the cyclone. well. – Vishal Pathak and Khyati Halani

ANNOUNCEMENT International Conference on Humanitarian Logistics ackground • Identify strategic issues in international relief agencies, B The International Conference humanitarian logistics including and academia and their role to on Humanitarian Logistics (ICHL) logistics planning, coordination equip the business leaders with 2013 is the first conference organised and delivery systems, in good the skills and knowledge to in India to address this key issue of condition, in the quantities manage unpredictable Humanitarian Logistics and will required, and at the places and environment. provide the platform to various time they are needed. • Highlight how efficient and stakeholders to deliberate on the • Sensitise towards the effective logistics system can same. humanitarian supply chain make significant contribution management processes due to the in managing disaster and Objectives increasing complexity and humanity. The Conference aims to: magnitude of global emergency • Provide an opportunity for • Provide an essential update on relief operations for their business professionals to meet peers and natural and manmade disaster, • Understand the responsibilities colleagues in positive future trends, disaster of all the stake holders including environment of learning and response, preparedness and government, government sharing. For details: governance issues. organisations, NGOs, http://www.iimraipur.ac.in/ichl2013/

Special Issue, October 2013 southasiadisasters.net 15 KNOWLEDGETITLE PRODUCT Where Will My Help Come From?

A Story of Courage and Positive Thinking in a Fight against Elusive and Transforming Drug-Resistant Cancer

Overview Denis Nkala was a young management trainee, fresh out of graduate school and newly returned to his home country of Zimbabwe, when he met Fidelia aboard a staff bus on his way to the hospital to visit his mother. Her kindness and genuine concern for the plight of a stranger touched him, and their friendship blossomed quickly. Before long, her easy smile and air of dignity carved their way deep into his heart.

When they joined their lives together in marriage, they had no idea of the difficult trials they would be called upon to face. Fidelia, with her husband always by her side, battled various cancers in an effort to live long enough to see their children grow. Now Denis writes to communicate the courage, love, and faith that she held throughout her struggle.

This touching true story details the life of a wife and mother as she battles an aggressive, mutative cancer. Told from the perspective of her husband, who was her diligent caregiver throughout her twelve- year battle, this narrative encompasses the gravity and pain of a long fight with cancer as well as the suffering and dedication of those who supported the fight.

About the Author Denis Nkala was born in Zimbabwe. He holds a PhD in applied management and decision science and works for an international organisation. He currently lives in New Rochelle, New York, with three of his children and fond memories of his wife, Fidelia. For more information: http://www.amazon.com/Where-Will-Help-Come-From/dp/1491705167

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