Wayanad landslides: Kerala CM stresses need to contemporise weather prediction mechanisms

Kerala CM emphasises modernizing weather prediction for disaster mitigation; updates on Wayanad landslide rescue efforts and casualties.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has stressed the need to make weather prediction models more contemporary, location-specific, and accurate so that disaster mitigation measures can kick in early to save lives.

Mr. Vijayan’s comment assumed political significance against the backdrop of the brewing controversy over whether India Meteorological Department (IMD), Central Water Commission (CWC) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) had adequately warned the Kerala government about the likelihood of heavy rain ahead of the catastrophic landslides in Wayanad. 

Addressing a press conference on August 3, Mr. Vijayan conceded that cloudbursts and intense rains inundating a specific locality in a short period were challenging to predict, given the global climate change. Nevertheless, recurrent natural disasters have underscored the need to modernise the country’s weather forecast mechanisms.

Mr. Vijayan said the country, the nation, and the State were united in helping the disaster-struck people of Wayanad.

The State and the Centre were working in tandem for their welfare. “Solidarity is the need of the hour. Faint sounds of dissonance are best ignored,” he added. 

Mr. Vijayan said the government would provide sufficient resources and personnel to the Institute for Climate Change Studies in Kottayam to fashion Kerala-specific weather forecast models. 

Given the State’s unique topography and seasonal monsoons, the institute would guide Kerala’s climate change adaptation and mitigation policies. In recent years, the State has witnessed significant flooding events and cyclones.