Recent floods in parts of eastern and western India have left many dead and displacing thousands.
This has increased the need for a massive capacity-building programme to deal with frequent, destructive weather events.
What actions are required?
Protocols followed by State governments to deal with floods need an urgent review.
Catastrophic events, such as the Chennai flood of 2015, necessitate a review of the protocol followed by State governments in controlling flows from dams and reservoirs.
Some states have not been able to use disaster relief funds as intended.
The Centre has asked states to set off the unutilised portion when making fresh claims which is unfair for people in urgent need.
Other actions people need on the ground include short-term housing, food, safe water, access to health care and protection for women, children and the elderly.
With neither social support nor financial instruments available to rebuild lives, alleviating financial losses of the victims is crucial for a return to normality.
It is essential to look at the public health dimension as many without the coping capacity develop mental health issues including post-traumatic stress disorder in the wake of such catastrophes, and need counselling.
A review of the deployment of National Disaster Response Force teams near water bodies is required.
This is to be coupled with data compiled by the Central Water Commission, which identifies the hotspots where better management and perhaps additional reservoirs can mitigate damage.
Given the unprecedented events like even drought-prone regions in Gujarat and Rajasthan encountering floods, governments' response is of crucial importance.
