Post-thunderstorm,there was no coordinated effort in absence of disaster management cell

The focus of the mock drill that happened was on earthquake preparedness considering that the city falls in seismic zone IV. While the mock drill had several loopholes despite months of preparation,there is not much that has been done in the area after that. The staff of the Civil Defence is creating awareness in schools about earthquakes. However,in case of any other calamity,there is no plan of action.

Due to the lack of a dedicated disaster management cell,the members of civil defence,fire,police and municipal corporation tend to combine their expertise. In fact,the civil defence staff lacks basic equipment of its own to deal with a calamity and has to depend on the other departments. For several years,new equipment has not been purchased.

An official said that a proposal had been mooted for a disaster management cell. Several meetings have been held in this regard. He added that it was likely that the proposal would soon get the final clearance. It has been discussed that experts in the area should also be part of the disaster management preparation.

When experts from the National Disaster Management Authority had come to the city,several observations were made. It was highlighted that the disaster management centre should be on the ground floor and not in the basement or upper storeys. The aim was that the officials who are co-ordinating the rescue efforts should be safe.

However,with the focus on earthquake preparedness,the other areas stand neglected. The storm caused three deaths and dozens of people were injured. While different departments started work at their own end,including repairing electricity lines and clearing roads,there was no co-ordinated effort.