Nearly two-thirds of India’s population is exposed to extreme flood events, yet only a third of these individuals benefit from flood early warning systems (EWSs). Out of the 12 states highly vulnerable to such floods, only three have a high availability of early warning systems, indicating a significant gap in flood monitoring and forecasting station planning, said a report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
The report titled “Strengthening India’s Disaster Preparedness with Technology: A Case for Effective Early Warning Systems” sheds light on the crucial role of early warning systems in building climate resilience. It emphasizes the urgent need for Indian states to take proactive climate action by investing in early warning systems and multi-hazard early warning systems. Notably, states like Assam, Odisha, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Jharkhand, and Kerala lead the way in terms of better resilience to floods, owing to the availability, accessibility, and effectiveness of early warning systems.
The report’s release comes amid record-breaking rainfall and devastating floods in northern India, resulting in a death toll of over 90 and extensive damages. To address these challenges, the report stresses the importance of involving local communities and highlights the disparity in flood EWS availability, particularly in rain-battered states such as Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
INCREASED INVESTMENT IN EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS
While India exhibits better preparedness for cyclones, with 100% coverage of the exposed population through cyclone EWSs, only 25% of the population is exposed to cyclones and their impact. The CEEW, a not-for-profit policy research organization supported by entities like the United Nations Environment Programme, IIT Delhi, and Bloomberg Philanthropies, emphasizes the necessity of increased investment in early warning systems and active participation from local communities. The report’s author, Shreya Wadhawan, highlights the need to allocate a higher proportion of the overall disaster management budget to disaster preparedness, as this investment reduces losses and damage, subsequently reducing the response and recovery budget.
PREPAREDNESS
Disaster preparedness relies on both technology and finance, with early warning systems serving as crucial pillars for taking timely action. The report calls for the installation of early warning stations in riverine areas, particularly in states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to detect floods early. Additionally, technology and finance play vital roles in disseminating this crucial information to at-risk communities.
In conclusion, strengthening flood early warning systems is paramount for India’s resilience. The report urges increased investment in early warning systems, greater involvement of local communities, and an enhanced focus on disaster preparedness as key steps toward building climate resilience in the face of increasing extreme weather events like floods and cyclones.
