New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took stock of the situation in the wake of cyclone Fani. At a meeting in Bhubaneswar, which was attended by CM Naveen Patnaik and top officials, PM Modi shared insightful and practical ways of disaster management according to officials.

Said one of the officials who attended the meeting, “What was striking was the human touch with which PM Modi spoke. He gave simple yet effective ways to mitigate disasters. His point that disaster management must entail long lasting permanent solutions as opposed to short term measures was also well taken.”

“I have seen cyclones as a common citizen and handled natural disasters while in administration” stated PM Modi.

PM Modi said that coming from a coastal state, he understood the threats from cyclones and flooding. He recalled his own experience from the 1998-99 cyclone in Gujarat, where he was involved in rescue and relief work as a volunteer.

He added that he shares the pain of all those who have to endure disasters of such magnitude.

A top official who attended the meeting said, “PM’s eye for detail is amazing. He enquired about the threat of diseases, epidemics and the health of those affected by the cyclone. He also asked about the condition of cattle, including mechanisms to dispose dead bodies of those animals who lost their lives due to the cyclone.”

One common theme that figured in the PM’s remarks was the need to combine technological interface with human capabilities, adding that this is particularly useful in rescuing people in advance.

PM said that call centres can be strong ways to warn and assist people.

He also said that when Gujarat was affected by an earthquake, one of the biggest challenges was to find masons who could rebuild houses. To overcome this challenge, the ITI network was tapped and masonry training was provided to locals, which helped rebuild many homes.

Likewise, since many people were injured in the quake, physiotherapy specialists were needed for which children associated with NCC were roped in and they were able to provide this valuable help.

PM Modi saluted the people of Odisha, especially those living in coastal areas and fishermen for not only paying heed to warning and not venturing out but also helping people in need.

An official who was present at the meeting remarked, “This meeting was a great display of cooperative federalism. PM Modi said that the Centre and State worked together, which has benefitted people.”

On CM Naveen Patnaik, PM remarked, “Straight upon landing, I told the Chief Minister that what you and your team have done is remarkable.”

He also said, “I have been in touch with the Chief Minister constantly. When the cyclone situation was approaching a few days ago, I called the Chief Minister early in the morning and in five minutes, we were talking. Such quick communication between a Prime Minister and Chief Minister is a good sign.”

Referring to the series of articles appreciating the disaster management efforts, PM said that it is natural that many people will be coming to Odisha to study the work done, for which we should prepare ourselves.

He said that we should be thinking about selecting groups of villages where people can visit and urge local people to share their experiences- when did they come to know about the impending disaster, what did they do next. Compiling these experiences would enrich even the work of the Government in disaster management.

He also pointed that the work done in Odisha should be a global model, studied by leading universities and students too.

Winning the psychological battle is the best way towards normalcy PM Modi pointed and also shared a small example- the starting of schools.

He said that the moment schools and colleges start, a feeling of normalcy comes into people’s minds and they feel confident to go about their routines.

Thus, whenever possible, schools should begin without a delay.

The Prime Minister shared that he intends to call officials from all coastal states for a meeting in the coming few months where they would share best practices and discuss a roadmap to better cyclone preparedness.

Again referring to Odisha he said with a smile- “Maybe we should do it in Bhubaneswar. Others can learn so much from the work done (by the Centre and the state) here”