Experts review Disaster preparedness of tsunami hit Andaman

Port Blair, Aug 4 (UNI) Experts in Andaman and Nicobar Administration have put their heads together to review the Disaster preparedness of tsunami hit Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

A high level meeting was recently called to discuss the arrangements and preparedness at the municipal wards and village level with the formation of Ward level and Village level Disaster Management Committees and plans which would stand in good stead in the eventuality of a natural calamity, a source in Andaman and Nicobar Administration said today.

The meeting was attended by the Municipal Councillors, Pradhans, Panchayat Secretaries and was chaired by South Andaman's Deputy Commissioner, K S Singh, who is also the Chairman of the District Disaster Management Committee for the District of Andaman.

The participants were exhorted to hold regular meetings of the committees so that interaction on the matter takes place at regular intervals and the level of preparedness is maintained to deal with the situation arising out of any catastrophe, the source added.

Addressing the meeting, the Chairman impressed upon the immediate need for the formation of the task force of volunteers, shelter management committees in municipal wards as well at village level based on the capabilities and capacities of the individuals and to hold regular interactive sessions at different level for remaining alert and prepared to meet any kind of eventuality.

"As part of advance planning and preparedness, mapping of the vulnerable areas was also emphasised," the source told UNI.

All the Nodal Officers of the various coordinating departments including health were asked to visit all the identified shelters to ensure that they are equipped with the essential requirement.

Tsunami catastrophe, which was triggered by a mega earthquake on December 26, 2004 had killed more than 3,800 people in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and left more than 46,000 people homeless. According to an official assessment property worth Rs 3327 crores were also damaged in tsunami.

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