Bhadrak: Odisha is known as a master in disaster management since it reported zero casualty in Cyclone Fani. The Odisha state government’s journey has been applauded worldwide and it is expected to continue to the streak for the upcoming Cyclone Yass. Bhadrak is predicted to be one of the districts lying in the vulnerable zone.
A small village called Langudi in the low lying areas of Bhadrak is composed of all kutcha houses. The residents of the villages continue to sit inside their houses even when there is a cyclone looming over their head.
Just behind the village is a school that has been assigned as the Cyclone Shelter home.
“Their is a one room school where all the villagers are supposed to be staying when the cyclone comes. Where are the Covid guidelines now? We are almost 700 people in here,” a resident of the village alleged.
He added, “There’s also an Anganwadi School here but they are not opening it. How will all of us manage to stay in just one small school room?”
Meanwhile, half of the villagers remained unaffected by the fact that the cyclone was coming. They refused to let go of their assets and houses.
An old resident of the village mentioned, “Every year there is something or the other happening and we are displaced. Then we have to come back and start our life from scratch. What is the point? “
“The government keeps on saying about Indira Awas but we have not gotten one till date. Our ancestors have stayed here, we will also continue to do. Even if we die, it will be here,” she added.
On inquiring about this with a local authority, he said, “Our Chief Minister’s and all of us are looking at one aim, zero casualty. We are also following the Covid Guidelines and distributing masks and sanitisers to maintain hygiene.”
Odisha received accolades for its excellence in disaster management, here’s to praying it continues to do so.