Odisha's Battle Against Natural Disasters: A Three-Year Overview

Over the last three years, over 10,300 people perished in Odisha due to natural disasters. Major causes included drowning, snakebites, and lightning. State initiatives to curb fatalities include advanced warning systems and the construction of cyclone shelters. Cyclone Yaas was among the impactful events during this period.

In the past three years, Odisha has seen more than 10,300 lives lost due to natural calamities, the state's revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari informed the assembly Thursday.

Pujari detailed that between 2021-22 and 2023-24, flooding, lightning, snakebites, fire incidents, and drowning led to 10,302 deaths and Rs 2,301.51 crore in property damage. Drowning accounted for 5,534 fatalities, snakebites 3,356, and lightning 874.

The state has implemented multiple measures to mitigate disaster impacts, such as enhancing early warning systems and setting up 844 cyclone shelters. Preparations include Doppler radars and the declaration of coastal villages as Tsunami Ready.

(With inputs from agencies.)