Bhubaneswar: Odisha showcased its robust early warning systems and zero-casualty approach on the opening day of the three-day Brics disaster risk reduction (DRR) working group technical meeting held in Puri on Wednesday, also marked by multiple technical sessions. CM Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate the event on Thursday, when delegates will witness an Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force water rescue demonstration at Ramchandi, and interact with trained community volunteers to observe the state’s coastal disaster preparedness.Emphasising a “prepare for the worst” approach backed by pre-emptive action and large-scale evacuations during cyclones and floods, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, special relief commissioner and managing director of Odisha State Disaster Management Authority, outlined the disaster management model. He highlighted the role of cyclone shelters and last-mile communication systems — including sirens, mobile alerts and grassroots networks involving Asha and anganwadi workers, volunteers and community leaders — in minimising loss of life. Patil also highlighted how Odisha has undergone a massive turnaround since the 1999 supercyclone —shifting from a reactive, post-disaster response to a proactive approach.Odisha was chosen as the host in recognition of its globally acknowledged disaster preparedness, particularly its track record in zero-casualty cyclone management, early warning dissemination, evacuation planning and community-based response.The summit, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”, has brought together senior officials and experts from Brics countries — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the UAE — to deepen cooperation in disaster risk reduction.Key focus areas include community-based DRR, disaster financing, multi-hazard early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and the use of science and technology to enhance resilience.The first side event of the meeting focused on “Governance & Community-based DRR”, highlighting innovative governance frameworks and community-led resilience models across Brics nations. A second session on “DRR Financing” discussed scalable and predictable funding mechanisms to strengthen disaster risk reduction and resilience-building efforts.The third session on “Multi-hazard Early Warning & Risk Intelligence” emphasised strengthening early warning systems, risk intelligence frameworks and developing a Brics knowledge-sharing platform, with special focus on flood risk management.Another session on “Resilient & Climate-smart Infrastructure” deliberated on policy frameworks for climate-resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban systems, underscoring the need to integrate resilience and climate adaptation into infrastructure planning.As part of the programme, visits to Konark and other sites are also planned.
