Bhubaneswar: The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) on Saturday highlighted Odisha’s cyclone preparedness and early warning systems during the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG) Meeting held in Puri from June 3 to 5, officials said.
A joint press conference was held at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar to share the outcomes of the international meeting organised under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship. The event was hosted by NDMA in collaboration with OSDMA.
The meeting, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together senior officials and technical experts from eight BRICS member countries—China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates—to strengthen cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
The discussions focused on strengthening global cooperation in disaster risk reduction, with special emphasis on early warning systems, community-based disaster management, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
The conference was attended by Suresh Pujari, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management Department; Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, NDMA Member and Head of the Department; NDMA Member Dinesh Kumar Aswal; Rita Missal; Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department; Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director, OSDMA; Kamal Lochan Mishra, Executive Director, OSDMA; and senior officials of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Officials said Odisha’s disaster management model, particularly its cyclone preparedness mechanisms, was widely appreciated by delegates. The State presented its practices in early warning dissemination, evacuation planning, and last-mile connectivity of alerts.
Delegates also acknowledged Odisha’s consistent efforts in achieving near-zero casualty outcomes during major cyclonic events.
As part of the programme, participants witnessed a live water rescue demonstration conducted by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) at Ramchandi on Friday, highlighting the State’s operational readiness and specialised response capabilities for flood and water-related emergencies.
The meeting also provided a platform for knowledge exchange between Odisha disaster management professionals and international experts, allowing the sharing of best practices in risk reduction strategies.
Delegates also visited the Konark Sun Temple and experienced Odisha’s cultural heritage through performances of Odissi, Chhau, Jatra, and tribal dance and music, showcasing the State’s cultural diversity alongside its administrative preparedness.
Officials said the successful hosting of the BRICS DRRG Meeting has further strengthened Odisha’s global standing in disaster resilience and preparedness, aligning with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036, which focuses on zero-casualty disaster management, resilient infrastructure, and modernisation of response systems.
