or dangers lead to disasters. Since the ability of the human environment to withstand the impacts of danger plays a direct role in the number of casualties and monetary costs of disasters, it is important to reduce the vulnerabilities within the environment and enhance its capacity for disaster mitigation and reconstruction if we are to be resilient in the face of disasters. HudHud cyclone is named after a bird Hoopoe. It is an exotic creature widespread in Asia and North Africa.
Why do disasters end up hazardous at times? . India with a coastline of km is vulnerable to cyclones of varying intensities. HUDHUD a Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (VSCS), hit the east coast at Vishakhapatnam on th Oct, .
Although it was not the most severe cyclone to hit the Indian coast, it has been the most devastating one in recent times to make landfall in an urban area. Its ‘eye’, lay exactly over the city, causing tremendous loss to life, property and natural resources. Although human causalities were relatively low, there was a tremendous loss of livelihood in the affected areas. About , , houses were partially or fully damaged in the coastal areas of Vishakhapatnam district alone.
The fact that loss of human life was low can be attributed to the sustained preparedness and mitigation measures undertaken in the past, and effective and timely response initiated by the Central and State Government(s), right from the early warning stage. . The steps for effective preparedness measures which need to be taken by the State Governments and District Administrations in order to mitigate the effects of cyclone are: a) Appropriate advisory should be issued for removal of signboards, hoardings etc. which are prone to fall when strong winds strike and cause damage to life and property.
When and where did Hudhud hit severely? “Human casualties were restricted to the minimum.” How? Unit- - - Critical - - b) Proper record of dead and missing persons must be maintained. Immediate assistance should be rendered to affected families after confirmation of Aadhar Records.