After repeated successes in disaster management, the State Government has now planned to put in place an ‘integrated multi-hazard early warning system’ to strengthen the quality, prediction ability and response capacity of the Odisha Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
It was revealed at a high level meeting held under chairmanship of Chief Secretary AP Padhi at the Secretariat here on Friday. OSDMA Managing Director Bishnupada Sethi outlined the need for such a system.
The Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIEMS) Director presented the technical and methodological aspects of the system.
Considering the need of the system, the Chief Secretary directed the OSDMA to work out details of services, outcomes and procedures for developing the system with definite mile stones.
The meeting discussed about 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, draught and Tsunami were identified as major areas of collaboration. Besides, the technological support of RIEMS would also be helpful in curtailing of road accidents.
The RIEMS is an intergovernmental body registered under the United Nations. The body is owned and managed by 45 collaborating countries in Asia Pacific and Africa Region. India is the Chairman of the RIEMS. Among others, Development Commissioner R Balakrishnan, OSDMA CGM Pradeep Nayak, Deputy SRC Pravat Mohapatra and RIEMS team leader Jothiganesh participated in the discussions.