OSDMA Strengthens Disaster Preparedness: Signs MoUs with RIMES, Bangkok, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move towards bolstering its disaster management capabilities, the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) has inked two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). The first agreement, signed with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES) in Bangkok, and the second one with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham in Kerala, aims to enhance the state’s readiness in dealing with natural calamities.

The MoU with Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham focuses on the development of a Landslide Early Warning System in Odisha. This collaboration is expected to fortify the government’s ability to manage landslide disasters through the timely dissemination of early warnings. The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Pradeep Kumar Jena, Chief Secretary, Odisha, and Satyabrata Sahu, ACS-cum-Managing Director, OSDMA.

The second MoU, signed with RIMES, designates RIMES as a Knowledge Partner and System Integrator for implementing the World Bank-supported Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Programme (OSCRGP) Project. This collaboration aims to enhance the state’s disaster preparedness by implementing impact-based forecasting, early warning dissemination, and improving last-mile connectivity. The initiative aligns with the state’s commitment to achieving “Mission Zero Casualty.”

Chief Secretary Jena praised Odisha’s reputation as a leader in disaster management and emphasized the state’s continuous efforts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The collaboration with RIMES and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham is seen as a significant step toward capacity building and leveraging technology to mainstream disaster preparedness in Odisha.

ACS-cum-MD, OSDMA, Satyabrata Sahu, highlighted the importance of these MoUs and sought support from all stakeholders for effective program implementation. These collaborations are expected to contribute significantly to Odisha’s resilience and preparedness in disaster management.