Experts from different fields such as disaster management and research are of the view that even after Ockhi, the state disaster management has no clear plan to prevent or handle such calamities. An insurance proposal for the vulnerable coastal community in Kerala, submitted to the state four years ago, is yet to be implemented by the government, said experts who took part in the discussion organized by the independent fishworkers federation. Representatives of state disaster management authority, Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services and National Centre for Earth Science Studies took part in the meet. The fishermen community have made it clear that they will not support a central or state government that fails to save lives from such disasters by issuing alerts on time. An activist – while voicing the concerns of the community said – the Prime Minister had maintained a steady silence on the issue for quite some time despite being the chairperson of national disaster management authority (NDMA). The Prime Minister will take a whirlwind trip through the cyclone-affected areas of the state and Lakshadweep on Tuesday. The chief minister and minister for fisheries seem to have woken up as they have assured to hold further discussion with the affected coastal community, said a community member. “The Centre, state and research organisations failed to issue a timely alert on Ockhi to save the coastal community, particularly the fishermen who lost their lives. It cannot be termed a natural disaster because it is man-made due to the continuous exploitation of the sea and its shore for mining, dredging and commercial activities. Around 63% of the coastline is depleted along the sea for ports and transhipment terminal,” said an activist on condition of anonymity. A section of the community termed it a ‘genocide’ and not a ‘disaster’. General secretary of National Fishworkers Federation T Peter said Ockhi is a reminder that no lesson was learnt after the tsunami in 2004 that claimed hundreds of lives. “No government (Left, Right or Centre) will be allowed to continue their ruling if they fail to look at ways to prevent such disasters and genuinely work towards solving the problems of the affected,” he said. Former head of state disaster management centre KG Thara said that four years ago she had submitted a proposal suggesting a comprehensive insurance for the fisher folk with a minimum premium that ensured maximum benefits. She said that it was put in cold storage. The disaster management plan of Kerala has no mention of cyclones though Kerala was hit by at least four cyclones till 2002.