Andhra Pradesh sets gold standard in disaster management as CM Naidu's efficient governance saves lives during Cyclone Montha
How Andhra Pradesh combated Cyclone Montha: CM Naidu's experienced governance, extensive use of technology & 5 step formula to minimize loss
Amaravati, Oct 30
Andhra Pradesh government led by CM Chandrababu Naidu successfully navigated the severe impact of Cyclone Montha, ensuring minimal loss of life and property through a strategic and technology-driven response, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said today following an extensive review.
The response, described as bearing the 'CBN's mark governance,' was executed under a highly effective Five-Point Formula.
"Our administrative commitment, working day and night for five continuous days, was to ensure that while the cyclone inevitably touched our coast, the lives of our people remained safe," the Chief Minister stated addressing a press conference today.
AP govt's five-point disaster management formula: Monitor, Alert, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Normalcy
As detailed by the CM, The government's action plan was meticulously implemented from the State Secretariat to the Gram Sachivalayam (Village Secretariat) level:
1. Monitor: Continuous real-time tracking of the cyclone's movement and potential impact zones was managed from the Real-Time Governance (RTG) Centre.
2. Alert: Proactive warnings were immediately disseminated to the official machinery and the public. Over 1.1 crore messages were sent to people in affected areas.
3. Rescue: Over one lakh people were swiftly evacuated to relief camps. This included special efforts to move infants, the elderly, and pregnant women to safety.
- The rescue operation leveraged technology, notably when a man named Sheik Munna, being swept away in the Parchur stream in Bapatla district, was located by drones and successfully rescued by ground teams.
- A timely alert mechanism allowed for the swift rescue of 15 people who were stranded in a place of worship in Bapatla district.
4. Rehabilitation: Relief camps were prepared in advance (not hurriedly arranged after the warning), providing food, accommodation, and essential medicines. Conditions were monitored using CC cameras to ensure quality. The administration also took steps to protect livestock.
5. Normalcy: Focus was placed on immediate restoration of services and quick disbursement of aid.
Use of Technology and RTGS Command Centre
The Chief Minister’s extensive experience in handling natural calamities, combined with full-scale technology integration, was the backbone of the efficient response:
- Communication Backup: The RTGS Centre introduced an innovative system to remotely operate village-level microphone announcements via cell phone, with a backup system established using satellites in areas with no cell signal. This greatly aided the evacuation of people from riverine Lanka villages, who are often reluctant to leave their homes.
- Live Tracking and Logistics: A massive fleet of machinery, including bulldozers and vehicles, was deployed. Live tracking was enabled on these essential assets, such as JCBs, to optimize their utilization for relief efforts.
- Infrastructure Safeguarding: On the Chief Minister's orders, the removal of water hyacinth from canals was undertaken on a war footing to reduce potential crop damage. Drains were also cleaned to prevent waterlogging in urban areas.
- Preventive Action: Continuous monitoring prevented a major disaster at the Sangam Barrage in Nellore district when the Collector, acting on immediate information, successfully secured a large boat that was in danger of hitting the gates.
Swift Damage Assessment and Relief Disbursement
The government ensured that relief and compensation plans were ready even before the storm subsided.
- The process for rapid assessment of damage to crops, property, and infrastructure has been initiated, with directives to submit reports to the Central Government at the earliest.
- The government had pre-stocked all necessary essential commodities and financial aid to distribute to the victims promptly. This includes immediate distribution of food and financial assistance to those in relief centres.
The successful prevention of major loss of life and the efficiency in relief operations clearly reflected the cohesive and coordinated effort between the government machinery, from the State Secretariat down to the village level, working under the Chief Minister’s expert direction.
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