The creation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in 2005, prompted by the 1999 Odisha super cyclone and the 2004 tsunami, was a timely decision. Over the years, the NDMA has done commendable work in disaster mitigation, risk assessment and reduction, and post-disaster response, rescue and relief. Nearly every state now has a disaster management agency of its own, though some function less effectively than others. But the damage caused by landslides in the Northeast in the aftermath of cyclone Remal that hit the West Bengal coastline on Sunday night is the latest reminder of the urgent need to upgrade and overhaul the disaster management system. Cyclone Remal caused heavy rainfall in the area which triggered landslides at several locations.

Source: Indian Express May 30, 2024 13:07 UTC