Rijiju to inaugurate NDMA's 14th Formation Day on Tuesday

Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju will inaugurate the 14th Formation Day of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) here on Tuesday.

The theme of the event is "Early warning for disasters", which is a major element of disaster risk reduction and can minimise the loss of lives and economic impacts, said a Home Ministry statement.

"Timely early warning is key to a structured and efficient response. To be effective, early warning systems need to involve the communities at risk, generate public awareness, effectively disseminate warnings and ensure there is a constant state of preparedness."

"Over the years, we have made considerable progress in issuing accurate and timely early warning, especially for cyclones," said the statement, adding that earlier this month, authorities could evacuate thousands before Cyclone Gaja made its landfall as its path was accurately predicted.

Stakeholders will discuss the road map, their roles and key challenges in issuing timely and accurate early warning and its dissemination to all relevant stakeholders, including the vulnerable communities.

A manual for training masons on hazard-resistant construction and a study report on Gujarat floods of 2017 will also be released on the occasion.

P.K. Mishra, the Additional Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, will deliver the valedictory address on the occasion.

"Discussions at the event will increase awareness and aid improvement of our early warning mechanisms for disasters," the statement added.

NDMA members and officials, senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs, National Disaster Response Force, National Institute of Disaster Management, various ministries and departments of the Central government, state governments, civil society, and former members and Advisory Committee members of NDMA will participate in the event.

--IANS

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