The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has reviewed the situation in the wake of the thunderstorms, lightning and squall that recently hit various parts of the country, for better early warning and preparedness.

In a video conference with various stakeholders on Monday, the Authority enquired about the timeliness and adequacy of early warning messages issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

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States expressed satisfaction over the accuracy of these messages and said the timely warning enabled them to put preparedness measures in place, and save many lives.

Assessing the damage and destruction caused by the recent incidents, the meeting also discussed ways to reduce the impact of such events in future. The NDMA asked the states to share a report on the relief measures taken by them.

IMD now shares localised and specific warnings with the states, which are widely disseminated using various modes of communication such as mass SMSs, radio, television and social media.

Some state governments have been able to send out these warnings right up to the Panchayat levels by leveraging the mobile numbers available in voter databases. Simple do’s and don’ts for thunderstorms and lightning are also widely circulated.

NDMA has also shared short audio-video awareness generation material with states. These do’s and don’ts as well as the videos have been translated by the states into their local languages and are being used for creating greater public awareness.

Representatives of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Jharkhand, Tripura, Chandigarh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Delhi and West Bengal attended the meeting.

Relief Commissioners of Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and
West Bengal ~ the states which reported the maximum damage during the lightning strikes and thunderstorms on Sunday, 13 May, participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

Representatives from Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), IMD, Central Water Commission (CWC) and Doordarshan were present. This is the third meeting conducted by NDMA for management of thunderstorms, lightning and squall.