So horrific is the tale of damages that we have to shun any casual approach to such seasonal ravages.

Nor'westers is an annual phenomenon with which the people of the country have to cope -- but mostly in their aftermath as a fait accompli. Majority of people who live in the rural areas are the worst victims of this fury with their 'kutcha' abodes and standing crops compared to those in the urban areas.

In cities, however, they cause a separate set of problems such as water logging and power supply disruptions.

Nor'westers are likely to continue perhaps with greater ferocity due to continuous deterioration in world's climatic conditions, yet ways and means have to be found to provide advance warning allowing for evacuation of people to safer zones and reaching succor to those affected.

There is a very relevant proverb to quote: 'To be forewarned is to be forearmed' meaning staying ready to face any imminent challenge. It is scientifically possible to forecast a twister or tornado ahead of its occurrence in a particular place. Our disaster management ministry and the meteorology department should explore such a possibility and try and remove the gap in the equipment base that we have in this sphere.

Simultaneously, since it is well known which month or months are vulnerable to nor'westers, a relief and rehabilitation program must be kept handy for implementation on a short notice. Aside from immediate food relief and house building assistance, the poor farmers, we suggest, may be provided with soft term agri loans to rebuild their lives.