Modernize forecast models to enable disaster mitigation measures start early, says Pinarayi
- Kerala Chief Minister has stressed the need to make weather prediction models more contemporary, location-specific, and accurate so that disaster mitigation measures can kick in early to save lives.
Highlights:
- These comment assumed political significance against the backdrop of the brewing controversy over whether the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) had adequately warned the Kerala government about the likelihood of heavy rain ahead of the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad.
- Mr. Vijayan conceded that cloudbursts and intense rains inundating a specific locality in a short period were challenging to predict, given the global climate change.
- Nevertheless, recurrent natural disasters have underscored the need to modernise the country’s weather forecast mechanisms.
- The State and the Centre were working in tandem for their welfare.
- The government would provide sufficient resources and personnel to the Institute for Climate Change Studies in Kottayam to fashion Kerala-specific weather forecast models.
- Given the State’s unique topography and seasonal monsoons, the institute would guide Kerala’s climate change adaptation and mitigation policies.
- In recent years, the State has witnessed significant flooding events and cyclones.
Prelims Takeaway
- Landslides
- Cloudburst