Odisha signs MoU with RIMES for enhancing early warning system

Odisha Government today signed an MoU with the Thailand-based Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) for enhancing early warning system for effective management of disasters in the state, officials said.

The MoU will help state government to integrate new generation digital algorithm-based technologies and best practices from 48 RIMES member countries with the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), they said.

The Mou was signed in the presence of Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Odisha government wants to ensure zero casualties for all natural disasters and has taken up various initiatives for strengthening the early warning systems by implementing latest technologies and building partnerships with international agencies, officials said.

Secretary, Disaster Management and Managing Director, OSDMA, B P Sethi said the MoU could bring a shift from "What Weather Will be" to "What Weather Will do" Risk Based Early Warning system into OSDMAs operations.

RIMES and OSDMA collaboration will contribute to global efforts targeted to substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems as articulated in the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, they said.

RIMES is a UN Registered international and inter- governmental institution, owned and managed by its 48 Members and Collaborating States for building capacities in the generation and application of user-relevant early warning information.