The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has dedicated a new Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS) to the nation, marking a major step toward strengthening disaster preparedness and public safety during severe weather events.
The interactive WebGIS-based platform was launched on October 12 during the bi-annual Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting for the post-monsoon cyclone season. The meeting was chaired by IMD Director General of Meteorology and World Meteorological Organization Third Vice President Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra.
Designed as a user-friendly platform, the DSS brings together critical cyclone and marine weather information in a single dashboard. It allows disaster management agencies, government departments, defence forces, fishermen, and the general public to access real-time and forecast data related to cyclones, winds, rainfall, storm surges, and river catchment conditions.
Through interactive maps and visualizations, the system provides location-specific information on the likely impact of severe weather, helping users make informed decisions and take timely precautionary measures. IMD officials said the platform aims to bridge the gap between weather forecasts and their practical use on the ground, enabling faster response and reducing risks to life and property.
The launch carries special significance as it coincides with the anniversaries of two major cyclones successfully forecast by IMD, Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Phailin in 2013 and Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hudhud in 2014. Accurate early warnings during those events earned India international recognition for its disaster risk reduction efforts.
The Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting, conducted twice every year since 2008, serves as a forum for reviewing preparedness ahead of the cyclone season, assessing earlier recommendations, and strengthening coordination among various agencies. More than 230 participants from over 30 organizations attended this year’s meeting, including representatives from the National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, Ministry of Home Affairs, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard, Central Water Commission, coastal state governments, and scientific institutions.
A live demonstration of the new DSS platform was a key highlight of the meeting, showcasing its ability to deliver detailed cyclone forecasts and hazard warnings through an interactive interface. Stakeholders also provided suggestions and feedback aimed at enhancing the platform’s operational effectiveness.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment by IMD and its partner agencies to strengthen early warning services, improve inter-agency coordination, and ensure that accurate forecasts translate into timely action during cyclones and other extreme weather events.
