Setting an example

As the state of Odisha in India grapples with the aftermath of cyclone Fani,

What deserves to be appreciated

Is the initial response of the Odisha government.

Timely weather alerts, preparedness and public participation

Have played the key roles.

Though Fani has caused massive devastation,

Loss of lives were limited to 41

Given the fact that the millions were affected.

This is in sharp contrast with the loss of 10,000 people

When the ill-fated state was hit by super cyclone 05B in 1999.

Although restoration of infrastructure and rehabilitation of people

Will be a long battle,

The management of Cyclone Fani within the available resources.

Is in a way, a success story.

Bal Krishna, Editor

bal@mycoordinates.org