A Grade 5 cyclone,  a topographically vulnerable state like Odisha and India's record of always being caught unprepared seemed like a sure recipe for disaster. But surprisingly, the loss of lives was limited to 21. With all due respect to those who lost their lives, it seems like the state administration managed to pull off what can only be called a Herculean task - considering the fact that upwards of half a million people (if the figures published in newspapers are to be believed) were safely evacuated. Timely warning by IMD - made possible by sophisticated weather information and analysis sources, the timely delivery of critical information, a proactive administration - that perhaps took a cue from the disaster in Uttarakhand - all had a role to play.

Of course, there is a lot of damage - disrupted road and train services, loss of electricity, people stranded in far-flung villages, loss of crops, looming threat of flood and water-borne diseases like diarrhea. The administration and voluntary organizations need to pull up their socks to manage all this efficiently. Plus they should compare notes with other states in an effort to share the lessons learnt on ground.

In the meantime, we all can take comfort in the fact that finally this country is waking up to the realization that every life is worth saving. I hope there won't be any Grade 5 cyclones in future. But if there are, I would pray that the loss of life would be nil.