Newdelhi:13/10/26:The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday launched an interactive Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System to help disaster management authorities, government agencies and the public assess weather hazards and take timely action.
The WebGIS-based platform brings together cyclone tracks, intensity forecasts, wind distribution, rainfall warnings, storm surge information and rainfall forecasts for river catchments through interactive maps and visualisations.
It is designed to provide location-specific information, improve understanding of potential impacts and bridge the gap between forecasts and their practical use during cyclones and other severe weather events.
The system was dedicated to the nation on October 12 during IMD’s biannual Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting for the October–December post-monsoon season. The meeting was chaired by IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, who is also the World Meteorological Organisation’s third vice-president.
The platform is accessible through the IMD and Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre websites and directly at IMD’s Decision Support System.
The launch date coincided with the anniversaries of the landfalls of very severe cyclonic storms Phailin in 2013 and Hudhud in 2014. IMD said its successful predictions of both cyclones marked important milestones in India’s disaster preparedness and earned international recognition for its early-warning capabilities.
Around 230 participants from more than 30 organisations attended the meeting, including 180 online and 50 in person.
Participants included representatives of the National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Central Water Commission, Press Information Bureau, state disaster management authorities and fisheries departments.
Scientific and technical organisations included IMD, the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and the Indian Institute of Technology. Representatives from coastal states and Union Territories also participated, alongside officials from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Department of Consumer Affairs and Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
The meeting reviewed cyclone-season preparedness, progress on earlier recommendations and operational requirements across agencies.
It began with a presentation on IMD’s recent advances in cyclone warning and marine weather services, followed by a review of action taken on recommendations from the April pre-cyclone meeting.
A live demonstration showcased the new platform’s interactive features and its ability to provide location-specific cyclone and hazard information. Stakeholders offered feedback and suggestions to improve its operational usefulness.
IMD has held the preparedness exercise twice a year since 2008 to strengthen coordination among forecasters, disaster management authorities, defence forces, state governments and other user agencies.
The department said the latest meeting reinforced its focus on translating accurate forecasts into timely action to minimise the loss of lives and property during cyclones.