In a proactive step towards mitigating the impact of meteorological disasters, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has launched a groundbreaking Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas for India. This innovative web-based atlas focuses on thirteen of the most hazardous meteorological events, including life-threatening Heat Waves, which often result in loss of life, property damage, and severe health implications.
The Climate Hazards and Vulnerability Atlas, accessible via the IMD, Pune website, is a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based tool. It offers district-wise maps highlighting hazardous events and vulnerability across all calendar months and annually. Utilizing climatological data, census information on population density, and housing statistics, the hazard maps are crafted using diverse statistical and mathematical methodologies. Similarly, vulnerability maps are created based on data from IMD’s “Annual Disastrous Weather Reports,” focusing on climate hazardous events causing casualties and losses.
The atlas emphasizes the occupational profiles of those affected, with a significant number identified as agricultural laborers, coastal community dwellers, and individuals living below the poverty level. These groups, often engaged in outdoor occupations, are found to be highly susceptible to meteorological disasters.
Among the findings, the vulnerability atlas for heat waves reveals that approximately 13% of districts and 15% of the population exhibit moderate to very high vulnerability. Moreover, 4% of districts and 7% of the population are categorized as highly vulnerable. States like Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh emerge as the most susceptible regions for heat waves, encompassing 15 and 13 vulnerable districts respectively.
IMD has undertaken substantial measures to enhance monitoring and provide timely early warnings, significantly reducing loss of life and property. Collaborating with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and local health departments, IMD initiated Heat Action Plans (HAPs) across 23 heat-prone states. These plans aim to forecast and pre-advise about impending heat waves, providing essential directives for action during such occurrences.
Daily heat wave bulletins issued at 1600 hrs IST contain a 5-day forecast along with color-coded indicators (Green, Yellow, Orange, and Red) signifying the expected impact, as per NDMA guidelines. These bulletins, disseminated at the district level by Meteorological Centres/Regional Meteorological Centres, enhance preparedness and awareness.
IMD has embraced diverse platforms, including social media channels like YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram, alongside video messages, to disseminate heat wave forecasts and warnings. Moreover, sector-specific bulletins cater to areas such as health and agriculture, aiding in disease prevention and productivity preservation.
It’s crucial to note that the implementation and effective monitoring of the Heat Action Plan rest with respective State Governments.
Union Minister of Earth Sciences, Shri Kiren Rijiju, shared these comprehensive initiatives and strategies in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to combat meteorological disasters through proactive measures and advanced warning systems.