ISRO’s satellites enable accurate prediction of natural disasters

 ISRO’s satellites enable accurate prediction of natural disasters India has come a long way as far as predicting and preparing for extreme weather events are concerned. The super cyclone of 1999 in Odisha caused large scale loss of lives and property, but progress through the use of satellites and modern radars putting disaster management apparatus in place and generating awareness has helped

contain nature's destructive forces. While tackling natural calamities is a major challenge leveraging technology mitigates the impact of such disasters to a large extent. Over the last few years India has shown the way to developing countries on reducing the impact of disasters.

In 1999, around 15,000 people lost their lives when a cyclonic storm hit Odisha in 1999.

Since then, India has been able to minimise the number of casualties caused by such natural disasters...through the effective use of technology and mobilisation of relief personnel.

Satellites of Indian space agency ISRO accurately predict impending cyclones from the stage when deep depression starts forming.

It is easier to accurately predict intensity of cyclones, wind speeds, possibility of rainfall and time of land fall today, which was not the case earlier.

Prediction of weather patterns by Indian satellites are today as accurate as by satellites of any developed country like the US.

After analysing data received by satellites the Met department provides timely updates to the state govts concerned and other agencies which are used to minimise damage to a large extent.

Over the last few years damage caused by cyclones in eastern coastal states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh was negligible.

That was made possible by timely preparation based on accurate data.

This has been accompanied with the sea change in preparation for cyclones by state govts concerned, besides SDRF, NDRF, Army, Navy, Air Force and local administration.

State govts have started working on war footing to evacuate people from areas most at risk to safe locations the deployment of Army, NDRF personnel etc. in affected areas has been of great help too.

Coastal states have also paid attention to disaster management in the last few years. That included strengthening communication system using high tech computer systems training govt personnel and coordinating with relevant agencies.

At the Central level too, efforts have been underway to strengthen agencies ranging from the Met department to cyclone study centers to enable timely information ahead of natural disasters.

Use of technology has thus been able to minimise damage in the aftermath of natural disasters.