There is a necessity for Andhra Pradesh, as a cyclone-prone coastal State, to prepare for disaster and make all efforts to reduce loss of human lives and property to the extent possible, according to State HRD Minister G. Srinivasa Rao.
The minister, who was speaking at the inaugural of the the three-day national seminar on disaster management named "Prakampana" here on Tuesday, said the very severe cyclone, Hudhud, which hit Visakhapatnam city in 2015 had taught the State many lessons. "Learning from the experience, we have got ready a state-level disaster response force and trained 600 persons. We are also making efforts to station a team of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team permanently in Visakhapatnam. The State Government will provide the site and other requisites for the purpose," he said.
He said a blue book would be prepared to meet such situations and the State Government would make all efforts to face disasters and calamities.
State Chief Secretary S.P Tucker said modern technology should be made use of in dealing with disasters and AP in particular should always be ready to face cyclones, with May and November being the most dangerous months.
Vice-Admiral H.C.S Bisht, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Naval Command, which organised the seminar, said the way Andhra Pradesh had tackled cyclone Hudhud was remarkable, and loss of lives could be reduced to the minimum. But still total property loss was pretty high, at Rs 20,000 crore, and in future all attempts should be made to reduce it to the minimum. He praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for his initiative in the matter.
sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in