‘India’s zero-casualty approach is setting global benchmarks in disaster management’

India leads in disaster management with zero-casualty approach, utilizing advanced technology for early warnings and global climate resilience.

India’s advancements in disaster management, particularly its zero-casualty approach, have positioned the country as a global leader in mitigating the impact of extreme weather events, said G. Srinivas Rao, deputy director of National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).

Speaking at the World Meteorology Day event at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) Centre in Hyderabad on Monday, he highlighted the role of early warning systems in reducing disaster-related fatalities.

Citing the example of cyclones, Mr.Rao recalled that the 1999 Super Cyclone in Odisha claimed approximately 10,000 lives due to the limited technology available at the time. “Back then, our satellite imaging capabilities only allowed us to monitor cloud formations, but we lacked the tools to accurately predict cyclone intensity and movement. By 2013, however, advancements such as scatterometres (a radar instrument that measures wind speed and direction over oceans by bouncing microwave signals off the water’s surface) enabled us to detect wind patterns before cyclones even formed. With improved forecasting and early warnings from IMD, the Odisha government successfully evacuated lakhs of people ahead of Cyclone Phailin in 2013, achieving a zero-casualty outcome,” he said.

Despite these strides, over 100 countries still lack multi-hazard early warning systems, making them highly vulnerable to climate-related disasters. Mr. Rao stressed that rising global temperatures have intensified extreme weather events, with even inland cities like Hyderabad now experiencing higher humidity and temperatures typically associated with coastal regions. “Ocean warming is fuelling stronger cyclones, directly impacting our weather patterns. Meanwhile, small island nations, which contribute little to global carbon emissions, suffer disproportionately from rising sea levels and extreme weather events,” he added.

Concluding the event, K. Nagaratna, Head of IMD Centre Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of real-time observation and communication in disaster risk reduction. “The World Meteorological Organization plays a key role in guiding nations on disaster preparedness. One of the major advancements in early warning systems has been the colour-coded alert system: green for no threat, yellow for readiness, orange for caution, and red for immediate action. These warnings help governments and communities take timely preventive measures,” she said.

The event was attended by students from various schools in Hyderabad. Also on display was the ‘ISRO Space on Wheels’ vehicle, featuring exhibits on India’s space missions, including Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan.