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Emphasizes on better coordination between central & state agencies on forecasting of floods

PM holds meeting with CMs of Assam, Bihar, UP, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala through video conference

AMN / WEB DESK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today emphasized on better coordination between all central and state agencies to have a permanent system for forecasting of floods and extensive use of innovative technologies for improving forecast and warning system.

Mr Modi today held a meeting with Chief Ministers of Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Kerala through video conference to review their preparedness to deal with south-west monsoon and current flood situation in the country.

He said, over the past few years, forecasting agencies like India Meteorological Department and Central Water Commission have been making concerted efforts to make better and more usable flood forecasts.

They are trying to provide not only rainfall and river level forecast but also location specific forecast of inundation.

Mr Modi said, there are pilot efforts underway to also use innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to improve location specific forecast, for which States should provide necessary information to these agencies and disseminate the warnings timely to local communities.

The Prime Minister mentioned that investment should be increased in localised early warning system so that people in a particular area can be provided with timely warning in case of any threatening situation such as breach of river embankment, inundation level and lightning.

Mr Modi also emphasized that in view of COVID situation, while undertaking rescue efforts, States must ensure that people follow all health precautions such as wearing of face mask, hand sanitization and maintain adequate physical distance.

He said, relief materials must include provision for hand washing and sanitizing and face masks for the affected people. He added that special provisions should be made for elderly people, pregnant women and people with co-morbidity.

The Prime Minister conveyed that States should ensure that all development and infrastructure projects must be built with resilience to withstand local disasters and to help in reducing consequential losses.

Chief Ministers of Assam, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Home Minister of Karnataka gave on the flood situation, rescue efforts made in their States.

They complimented the efforts of central agencies including NDRF teams in timely deployment and rescuing people. They also gave some suggestions for short-term and long-term measures for mitigating the effects of floods.

The Prime Minister directed the Officers of concerned Ministries and organisations to take action on the suggestions given by the States and assured that the Centre will continue to provide its support to the States and Union Territories in order to strengthen their capabilities for dealing with various disasters.

The meeting was also attended by Defence Minister, Health Minister, Ministers of State in Home Affairs and senior officers of the concerned central Ministries and organizations.

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