Odisha govt to develop integrated multi-hazard early warning system

Bhubaneswar: With international acclamations in disaster management, Odisha government has initiated steps for further strengthening of the quality, prediction ability and response capacity of Odisha Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) with an ‘integrated multi-hazard early warning system’.

This was discussed in a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here on Saturday.

Considering the need of the system for Odisha, the Chief Secretary directed OSDMA to work out details of services, outcomes and procedures for developing the system with definite milestones.

The meeting discussed the potential areas of collaboration between OSDMA and RIEMS.

Analysis of huge data likely to be generated from automatic weather stations being installed at GP levels, validation of the forecast, early warning and preparedness for lightening, heat wave, flood, drought and Tsunami were identified as major areas of collaboration.

Besides, the technological support of RIEMS would also be helpful in curtailing of road accidents.

Development Commissioner R. Balakrishnan emphasized on accurate and dependable predictions for building confidence in the people about countering the hazards and minimizing its effects.

OSDMA managing director Bishnupada Sethi said, “RIEMS is an intergovernmental body registered under United Nations. The body is owned and managed by 45 collaborating countries in the Asia Pacific and Africa Region. India is the Chairman of the body. In collaboration with this intergovernmental body, OSDMA can strengthen its database for more effective management of natural disasters. It will provide technical support through sustained institutional mechanism”.

He further added that collaboration would also help in the transfer of best practices among different countries of the world.