IMD Launches WebGIS Platform to Boost Cyclone Disaster Preparedness

Integrated WebGIS Decision Support Architecture

The India Meteorological Department has launched an interactive WebGIS-based platform that will serve as a decision support system ahead of tropical cyclones. The digital platform integrates critical cyclone warnings and marine weather information together in one centralized portal. Operational designers explained that the initiative aims to bridge the gap between weather forecasts and their practical application during severe atmospheric crises. The interface provides municipal emergency personnel and administrative planners with dynamic spatial visualisations across threatened coastal sectors. The specialized portal for the public is available across the official domains of the national forecaster and regional meteorological centres.

The public Decision Support System platform is available on the IMD website and Regional Specialised Meteorological Centre website.

Pre Cyclone Preparedness and Stakeholder Coordination

The new decision support system was dedicated to the nation on October 12 during the department's biannual operational convention. The national exercise was organized for the post-monsoon season under the chairmanship of Director General of Meteorology Mrutyunjay Mohapatra. The ceremonial launch date coincided with the anniversaries of the historic landfalls of severe cyclonic storms Phailin in 2013 and Hudhud in 2014. Around 230 participants from more than 30 organisations attended the strategic planning assembly through hybrid sessions. Institutional delegations included representatives of the National Disaster Management Authority, National Disaster Response Force, defense wings, and central ministries. Scientific and technical organisations included IMD, the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting and premier academic research bodies. The national convention began with a review of action taken on recommendations from the April pre-cyclone meeting to benchmark administrative preparedness.

The India Meteorological Department successfully predicted Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Phailin in 2013 and Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hudhud in 2014.

Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Phailin crossed the coast on October 12, 2013, and Very Severe Cyclonic Storm Hudhud crossed the coast on October 12, 2014.

Hazard Simulation and Operational Capabilities

A live demonstration showcased the new platform's interactive features and its ability to provide location-specific hazard warnings. Participating stakeholders examined storm surge simulations, river catchment rainfall projections, and coastal gale distributions across vulnerable maritime zones. Technical teams demonstrated how local district authorities can track shifting vortex coordinates in near real-time. The meteorological service has held the preparedness exercise twice a year since 2008 to strengthen multi-agency disaster operational workflows. The structured biannual drills ensure that frontline emergency battalions receive actionable risk telemetry before seasonal storms gather strength.

Regional Vulnerability and Fatality Reduction

Historical data shows that out of five cyclones developing over the north Indian ocean annually, three to four strike populated shorelines. Low-lying coastal belts of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry remain disproportionately vulnerable to violent inundation. Atmospheric scientists highlighted that the number of deaths due to cyclones has decreased significantly in recent decades. The substantial drop in human casualties reflects continuous technological improvements in observational radar networks and mathematical numerical modeling.