The Brics Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Technical Summit in Puri, Odisha, aims to foster intensive exchanges among member nations and over ten Indian states on tackling cyclones, floods, heat waves, and other disasters. The focus is on sharing real experiences in preparedness, evacuation, ensuring zero casualties, and safeguarding all forms of life. Equally important is post-disaster rehabilitation, including repositioning evacuated people, compensating crop losses, rebuilding damaged houses, and restoring infrastructure. The goal is to learn from diverse contexts and strengthen collective response systems.
Odisha as a Global Model
Odisha has built a robust disaster management system, internationally acknowledged for handling severe cyclones with minimal or zero casualties. This credibility is why the Brics DRR summit is being held in Puri. Delegates, including top bureaucrats, experts, and scientists from ten countries, are witnessing Odisha's model firsthand. The state will present detailed documentation, visuals, and case studies of past disasters, focusing on evacuation strategies, coordination mechanisms, and rehabilitation practices. Emphasis is on restoring livelihoods by compensating losses and rebuilding homes to ensure affected families return to pre-disaster conditions.
Summit Outcomes and Demonstrations
A formal declaration like a Puri declaration is unlikely. The summit is anchored by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) with Odisha as co-host. The agenda has been set by Brics nations in consultation with NDMA. Odisha's role is to showcase its experience and facilitate dialogue. Demonstrations form a key component: personnel from Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and fire services will present field operations near Konark, demonstrating how they operate in extreme conditions to save lives.
Mutual Learning and Innovations
While presenting its achievements, Odisha will engage in mutual learning, understanding how other countries and states manage disasters, and identifying scope for improvement. One major challenge is the unpredictability of disasters. Forecasts by IMD or international agencies do not always prove accurate. Odisha responds by preparing for worst-case scenarios: planning for higher-intensity cyclones and wider impact zones. This strategy ensures resilience even when a cyclone's path or intensity deviates at the last moment. Climate variability has made natural events more erratic. Odisha adapts by expanding preparedness coverage and strengthening last-mile response mechanisms. This adaptive planning is a key innovation the state will highlight.
Emerging Challenges: Urban Flooding and Heat Waves
Urban population density is not yet a major constraint for Odisha, but the state is preparing in advance. With rapid urbanisation, disaster management systems are being recalibrated to handle urban floods and infrastructure stress. New risks are emerging, such as landslides, once uncommon, now becoming a concern. Odisha is studying mitigation strategies from north-eastern states where landslides are frequent. Heat waves are another growing threat due to rising global temperatures.
Role of Technology
Technology is being leveraged extensively. The Union home ministry supports the state with funding and advanced systems. Disaster management personnel are trained in the latest global technologies, enabling real-time monitoring, early warnings, and efficient response.
Final Takeaway
The summit is an opportunity for Odisha to both lead and learn, showcasing a proven model while integrating global best practices to meet emerging challenges in disaster risk reduction.
