Puri Selected To Host BRICS 2026 Disaster Risk Reduction Meeting

Bhubaneswar/Puri: Puri has been chosen as the host city for the BRICS 2026 Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG), highlighting Odisha’s emergence as a global model in disaster preparedness and resilience despite its vulnerability to cyclones and other coastal hazards.

The selection of Puri reflects international recognition of Odisha’s sustained efforts in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. Located along the Bay of Bengal, the coastal district frequently faces threats from cyclones, storm surges and extreme weather events, making it an ideal venue for discussions on disaster management and resilience-building among BRICS nations.

Over the past two decades, Odisha has transformed its disaster management framework significantly. From the catastrophic 1999 Super Cyclone, which resulted in massive loss of life and property, the state has evolved into one of the country’s leading examples of disaster preparedness. Investments in early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, evacuation planning and community-based response mechanisms have helped Odisha achieve near-zero casualty outcomes during several major cyclones in recent years.

The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), along with the State Government, has played a key role in strengthening preparedness measures and ensuring effective last-mile dissemination of early warnings. These initiatives have earned Odisha national and international recognition for its proactive approach to disaster management.

Officials noted that Puri also presents a unique example of managing large-scale public gatherings under challenging conditions. The city hosts the annual Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, one of the world’s largest religious congregations, attracting more than one crore devotees. The event is conducted safely through meticulous planning, coordinated response systems and effective crowd management strategies, often amid extreme summer weather conditions.

According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), hosting the BRICS DRRG meeting in Puri will provide participating countries an opportunity to study Odisha’s best practices in coastal resilience, community participation and multi-hazard preparedness at the grassroots level.

The meeting is also expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing among BRICS member nations on strengthening disaster preparedness, reducing risks and enhancing resilience against climate-induced disasters. The choice of Puri aligns with India’s broader objective of promoting scalable and community-driven disaster management models through international cooperation.

Officials believe the event will further showcase Odisha’s achievements in disaster risk reduction and reinforce its reputation as a global leader in effective and people-centric disaster management practices.