The second meeting of the BRICS Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group (DRRG), hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under India’s BRICS 2026 Chairship, concluded successfully in Puri from June 3 to 5. A joint press conference was subsequently held at Lok Seva Bhavan by the NDMA and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) to highlight the outcomes of the international event.

The conference was attended by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, NDMA Member Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, NDMA Member Dr. Dinesh Kumar Aswal, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Special Relief Commissioner and OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Executive Director OSDMA Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, and other senior officials.

Eight BRICS Nations Discuss Disaster Resilience

The meeting, themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” brought together senior officials and technical experts from eight BRICS member countries—China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The discussions focused on strengthening global cooperation in disaster risk reduction and enhancing resilience against natural disasters.

Odisha’s Disaster Management Model Earns Global Recognition

Hosting the prestigious international meeting provided Odisha an opportunity to showcase its globally acclaimed disaster management framework. The state presented its achievements in early warning systems, cyclone preparedness, evacuation planning and community-based disaster management.

Delegates highly appreciated Odisha’s success in protecting lives during disasters and acknowledged its sustained efforts toward achieving near-zero casualty outcomes during major cyclones.

ODRAF Demonstrates Rescue Capabilities

As part of the programme, delegates witnessed a live water rescue demonstration conducted by ODRAF at Ramchandi. The exercise highlighted Odisha’s operational preparedness, advanced rescue equipment and rapid response capabilities for flood and water-related emergencies.

Culture and Tourism Take Centre Stage

The event also showcased Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. Delegates visited the Konark Sun Temple and enjoyed performances of Odissi, Chhau, Jatra, and tribal dance and music, earning widespread appreciation from international participants.

Boost to Odisha’s Global Profile

Officials said the successful hosting of the BRICS DRRG Meeting has further strengthened Odisha’s reputation as a global leader in disaster resilience and preparedness. The event aligns with the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036, which aims to achieve zero-casualty disaster management, develop resilient infrastructure, modernise ODRAF and minimise disaster-related losses to lives and livelihoods.

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In a tragic turn of events, Surendra Gamang, a 42-year-old supply assistant from Potara panchayat in Rayagada block, lost his life on Monday night while assisting in cyclone preparedness efforts in Gajapati district. Gamang, known for his diligence and commitment, had spent the entire day helping villagers reach shelters, distributing food, and arranging bedding for evacuees bracing for Cyclone Montha.

After completing his duties late at night, Gamang had a quick meal and went to rest — only to suffer what doctors suspect was a cardiac arrest, possibly triggered by exhaustion and stress from relentless relief work. He was rushed to the District Headquarters Hospital in Paralakhemundi, where doctors declared him brought dead.

“He was the backbone of our relief work here,” said one of his colleagues as the local community gathered for a sombre vigil, mourning a man who gave his life in service to others even before the storm made landfall.

Cyclone Montha Inches Closer to Landfall

Meanwhile, Cyclone Montha — now classified as an extremely severe cyclonic storm — continues to close in on the Andhra Pradesh coast, with landfall expected near Kakinada tonight. The storm is packing winds up to 110 kmph, posing a major threat to both southern Odisha and coastal Andhra Pradesh.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a red alert for Gajapati district, warning of extremely heavy rainfall exceeding 20 cm, which could lead to catastrophic landslides in the region’s hilly terrain. Officials have identified 139 high-risk zones, drawing grim parallels to the Cyclone Titli disaster of 2018, when a landslide in Gajapati claimed several lives of evacuees who had sought shelter in a cave.

Odisha Ramps Up Evacuations and Disaster Response

Despite the grim forecast, Odisha’s disaster management machinery has moved swiftly into action. As of Tuesday afternoon, 946 people — including 91 of the 166 pregnant women identified — have been evacuated to 1,445 cyclone shelters across the southern districts. The government aims to relocate over 4,000 more residents from thatched and flood-prone houses before Montha’s full impact is felt.

Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, overseeing operations in the eight red-zone districts — including Gajapati, Ganjam, and Rayagada — confirmed the deployment of 140 teams, comprising more than 5,000 personnel from the NDRF, ODRAF, and Fire Services.

“Zero casualty is our mantra,” Pujari said, emphasizing that rescue and evacuation are being conducted with utmost precision.

Precautionary Measures in Full Force

Schools, anganwadis, and government institutions in high-risk areas will remain closed until October 30, as per the government directive. Fisherfolk have been banned from venturing into the sea, where wave heights are touching nearly five metres due to Montha’s strong winds.

District authorities are working to clear debris, reinforce weak embankments, and secure electricity and water supply infrastructure. Hospitals in southern Odisha have also been placed on emergency alert, with special focus on maternity and pediatric care, given the number of expectant mothers shifted to shelters.

Bracing for the Storm’s Fury

With the cyclone’s moisture bands already dumping heavy rain, Gajapati, Ganjam, and Rayagada are on the edge of crisis. Landslide-prone slopes are being monitored closely, and additional shelters have been opened in vulnerable hamlets.

Even as Odisha prepares to face the full brunt of Cyclone Montha, the death of Surendra Gamang stands as a poignant reminder of the human cost of disaster preparedness — and the silent sacrifices of those who work tirelessly to protect others.

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