Orissa is prone to natural disasters, especially floods. Yet, the authorities have not been able to draw up an effective disaster management plan and politicians continue to play politics with relief works. What is needed in dealing with these disasters and the relief and rehabilitation work that follows is the participation of the local community and functionaries of panchayati raj institutions, and coordination with national and international bodies.

Orissa has a long history of cyclones. Devastation and death toll were very high during 1999 super cyclone. The response to the cyclone in India and from abroad was also tremendous. The objective of this paper is to assess the activities of the government and NGOs providing relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction in aftermath of the Orissa super cyclone.