New Delhi: IMD early warnings during Cyclone Ditwah were timely and accurate, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh said the India Meteorological Department issued forecasts well in advance. The first alert on possible cyclogenesis came 13 days before the system formed.
Subsequently, IMD provided continuous updates from extended forecasts to nowcasts. It also issued multi-hazard warnings to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry throughout the cyclone’s lifecycle.
The department released four-stage warnings, including pre-cyclone watch, cyclone alert and cyclone warning. In addition, it issued 51 national bulletins with details on location, intensity and expected impact.
IMD early warnings improved accuracy and reduced risks
The Minister said IMD accurately tracked the cyclone’s movement and intensity. Forecast errors remained significantly lower than long-term averages across all timeframes.
He added that wind speed and rainfall predictions were also precise. Therefore, authorities could prepare for squally winds and heavy rainfall in advance.
The government said over 1.29 crore alert messages were sent using the Common Alerting Protocol. These warnings reached officials, stakeholders and the public in real time.
Moreover, improved forecasting has reduced disaster impact in recent years. Zero deaths were reported during Cyclone Biporjoy in 2023 and Cyclone Dana in 2024.
The Minister noted that forecasting accuracy improved by up to 25% for track and 45% for intensity in the past five years. As a result, timely government action helped minimise loss of life.
He said Mission Mausam, launched in 2025, aims to further upgrade forecasting systems. The initiative focuses on better observation networks, radar systems and advanced technologies.
