Question : Losses due to Asani Cyclone

(a) whether the cyclone ‘Asani’ has struck various coastal States in the country recently;

(b) if so, the details of losses suffered and the number of persons killed and injured in the said cyclone, State/UT-wise, including Assam;

(c) whether the Government has assessed the impact of the cyclone ‘Asani’ in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government has announced any relief package/provided any assistance to the affected States and if so, the details thereof, State-wise; and

(e) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for coordination among all concerned departments to minimize the losses due to cyclones and natural calamities in the near future?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
(SHRI NITYANAND RAI)

(a) to (d): Cyclone ‘Asani’ weakened near the coast and crossed Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Narsapur. No damage was reported from any State due to Asani cyclone except in


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Andhra Pradesh. As reported by Government of Andhra Pradesh, only 16 houses were damaged and 17 animals were found dead.

The primary responsibility for disaster management rests with the State Governments concerned. The State Governments provide financial relief to the affected people in the wake of notified disasters including cyclone, from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) already placed at their disposal. However, in the event of disaster of a severe nature, additional financial assistance is extended from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) as per the laid down procedure, which includes an assessment based on the visit of an Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT).

(e): The National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC), headed by Cabinet Secretary, monitors and coordinates the situation with the affected States and Central Ministries/ Agencies concerned during major disasters including cyclone. Indian Metrological Department (IMD) issues regular and precise forecasts & warning bulletins to all the affected States.





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There are well established institutional mechanisms at the National, State & District levels in the country to develop appropriate preparedness and prompt response mechanisms for effective management of natural disasters including cyclone. Central Government has established a robust early warning system and has significantly enhanced the accuracy of weather forecasts. Mock exercises and community awareness programmes are being regularly conducted to educate people at the time of natural calamities including cyclone.

The measures taken by the Central and State Governments have significantly improved the disaster management practices, preparedness, prevention and response mechanisms resulting in significant reduction in casualties during natural calamities, including cyclones, in the country. Further, strengthening of the disaster management is a continuing and evolving process of the governance.

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