Dr Hareesh Chandra Panchagnula
In October 2014, Cyclone Hudhud struck Andhra Pradesh with devastating winds of over 185 km/h. Amid the chaos, All India Radio (AIR) and local FM stations became vital lifelines, providing early warnings in multiple languages and ensuring remote communities were informed in real time. When power and mobile networks failed, radio remained the only source of real-time updates, guiding evacuations and sharing shelter locations. It played a crucial role in recovery by broadcasting relief schemes and psychological support programs.
Building on lessons from such disasters, the IPE Global and Esri India’s flagship Climate Risk Observatory (CRO) and development of the Mumbai Multi-Hazard Risk and Vulnerability Atlas offer a modern approach to disaster preparedness. These initiatives integrate historical data with future climate projections in a short-term time frame to assess risks from floods, cyclones, landslides, etc. These projects enable real-time monitoring, identify high-risk zones, prioritise resources, and shape mitigation strategies, helping states/ cities/ wards prepare for the increasing intensity of climate-related disasters.
Radios will be a powerful blend of tradition and innovation in disaster management. While radio delivers immediate, life-saving information during crises, initiatives like CRO empower city, district, and state administrations to anticipate and mitigate risks before disasters strike. This dual approach highlights the importance of integrating traditional communication tools with modern data-driven solutions to insulate vulnerable communities and build a safer, more resilient future in the face of climate change.
(Dr Hareesh Chandra Panchagnula, Senior Manager, Climate Change and Sustainability, IPE Global)
