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Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-10-16 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — IMD, Cyclone Warning, Disaster Management ///Category — GS Paper 1 ///Published — 2026-10-16 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — IMD, Cyclone Warning, Disaster Management ///

News · GS Paper 1

IMD Unveils WebGIS Platform for Cyclone Warnings

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched a WebGIS-based Decision Support System (DSS) for cyclone warning and marine weather services. It provides interactive maps for cyclone tracks, intensity, wind, rainfall, and storm surge, strengthening early warning and disaster risk reduction. The launch coincided with the anniversaries of Cyclones Phailin (2013) and Hudhud (2014).

2026-10-16

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Key Facts

Launch: India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched an interactive Cyclone Warning and Marine Weather Services Decision Support System (DSS).
Purpose: Strengthen cyclone preparedness and support timely decision-making.
Platform: WebGIS-based, providing interactive maps and visualisations of cyclone-related hazards.
Features: Cyclone tracks, intensity forecasts, wind distribution, rainfall warnings, storm surge information, and rainfall forecasts for river catchments.
Accessibility: Available through IMD and Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC) websites and IMD’s DSS.
Objective: Provide location-specific hazard information to disaster management authorities, government agencies, and the public.

Background

The launch coincided with the anniversaries of the landfalls of Very Severe Cyclonic Storms Phailin (2013) and Hudhud (2014).
These events marked important milestones in India’s cyclone early-warning capabilities.
Pre-Cyclone Exercise Meeting: IMD conducts biannual meetings since 2008, bringing together disaster management authorities, defence forces, coastal states, fisheries departments, and scientific organisations to review cyclone preparedness.

Significance

Enables location-specific early warnings.
Supports evacuation planning and disaster risk reduction.
Improves coordination among forecasting agencies, disaster management authorities, and stakeholders.
Enhances marine weather services for coastal communities and fisheries.

Related Institutional Framework

India Meteorological Department (IMD): Nodal agency for weather forecasting and cyclone warnings.
Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre (RSMC): IMD acts as RSMC for the North Indian Ocean region.
Disaster Management Act, 2005: Provides legal framework for disaster management in India.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Apex body for disaster management.

Way Forward

Leverage technology for real-time data dissemination.
Strengthen last-mile connectivity for warnings.
Integrate with state and district disaster management plans.