With the number of disasters that India has, we should have a lot of expertise in handling disasters. But fact is, disasters tend to fade rapidly from public memory. Existing expertise on disasters in India is diffused and uncoordinated. Experiences and learnings are not institutionalized. Disaster-prone areas are well-known, yet when calamity strikes, people as well as authorities are unprepared.  Despite suffering huge losses in terms of life and property, no preventive actions are taken or any training imparted to coordinate immediate relief activities. Very less has been learnt from the actions or initiatives in one part of the country in another. For instance, there are cyclone shelters in Andhra Pradesh, but none in Orissa, which is equally cyclone-prone. In addition, shelters should be constructed in a manner which has arrangements for storing drinking water and other essential life-savers.

There is an urgent need, therefore, to build and increase our knowledge and information base on disaster response and management. Practical, hands-on information should be available on what community groups can do and how they can handle common situations when disaster strikes. Information should also be available on what are the most important components of a relief kit and needs and requirements of communities as per their geographical locations. Fishermen may have different requirements as compared to people living in hilly areas.

Private insurance can play a role during disasters but the scope is very limited. Nearly 30-40 percent of people would not be able to afford the services. The solution rather lies with the government.