Odisha is recognized worldwide for its effective disaster management. Venezuela, recovering from two major earthquakes two weeks ago, has turned to the state for guidance. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez invited former Odisha IAS officer VK Pandian to explain the coastal state’s zero-casualty approach.
The invitation has returned attention to Pandian two years after he left public life. He previously served as a close aide to former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The IAS officer joined the BJD months before the 2024 elections and led its campaign but resigned after the party’s defeat. Before entering politics, he was known in Odisha for managing cyclones.
Pandian recently visited Venezuela and inspected areas hit hardest by the quakes that killed more than 3,000 people. He shared images and videos of the destruction and his meetings with local teams and residents. During discussions with Rodriguez, he outlined Odisha’s methods for rescue, recovery and long-term mitigation.
India has also sent aid through Operation Amistad, including an army field hospital. Pandian noted positive responses to the effort. The visit highlights his established role in disaster response, which Patnaik had praised after major cyclones and the pandemic.
Odisha developed its model after the 1999 super cyclone. The state formed a disaster management authority and focused on preparedness, community training and early warnings. Fatalities have since dropped sharply. The state built hundreds of cyclone shelters, evacuation routes and local volunteer networks that conduct regular drills.
