‘AFTER FANI, WE FOCUSED ON DISASTER-RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE’

Odisha, one of the most climate-vulnerable states in India, is hit by numerous extreme weather events every year. Cyclone Fani, which devastated the state in 2019, is one such event that forced Odisha to mount a post-disaster needs assessment. This multi-sector assessment on loss and damage provided new insights on building back better, GYANARANJAN DAS, executive director, Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), tells SEEMA PRASAD. Excerpts:

- SEEMA PRASAD

For India, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) considers "losses" as changes in economic flows due to adverse effects of a disaster, while "damages" refer to destruction of infrastructure and physical assets. Does OSDMA have a different view on loss and damage? How do you apply the concept to post-disaster needs assessments?

We follow the definition of loss and damage given by NDMA. 

When it comes to post-disaster needs assessments for loss and damage, the teams involved receive training at the national level, with support from the UN, World Bank, NDMA and other bodies. Approaches for income generating assets and non-income generating assets are different, but OSDMA officials are well-versed with both.

Teams coordinating from different departments, such as water, agriculture, power and housing are informed about the theoretical concepts of loss and damage and the practical assessment procedures involved.