Alert systems revamped post-Wayanad

A year after facing widespread criticism over the lack of timely warnings before the deadly landslide in Wayanad, central agencies such as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and Geological Survey of India (GSI) have initiated major overhauls in their alert mechanisms.

- UNNIKRISHNAN S @T'Puram

In a significant move to improve weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in Kerala's high ranges, the IMD is establishing its first radar station in Wayanad. The new X-band Doppler Weather Radar (DWR) is expected to enhance real-time monitoring, especially in areas where expanding ground-based observatories is difficult.

"Radar data is especially useful for rainfall analysis. It provides an indirect yet effective ground-level assessment," said Neetha K Gopal, Director, IMD Kerala.