Kerala Govt to formulate disaster risk reduction plan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Government of Kerala is planning to formulate a disaster risk reduction plan of international standard by studying and discussing various global models. It was announced at a two-day international workshop organized by Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA) on the occasion of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction on October 13.

After inaugurating the workshop being held at the Institute of Land and Disaster Management (ILDM), K Rajan, Minister for Revenue and Housing, Government of Kerala, spoke about the plan and mentioned how the state is facing a sudden change in nature’s characteristics. He stressed on the recent tragic landslide incidents at Kokkayar, Pettimudi, Koottickal, and Kavalappara and highlighted how intense rainfall and severe drought demonstrated the severity of climate change.  

Due to different topography in the Western Ghats of Kerala, a detailed study is required. In the field of disaster management, advanced technologies from artificial intelligence to machine learning should be implemented.  

Rajan directed ILDM to lead the initiative in implementing innovative steps and decisions taken in the workshop and submit recommendations to the state government. The two-day workshop will be attended by Muralee Thummarukudy, United Nations Disaster Management expert, Vrindhanath M C, Project Support Officer at UNEP,  Nairobi and academicians and researchers from across the nation.