IMD to Expand Weather Observation Network in Flood-Prone Tamil Nadu Districts Under Mission Mausam

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is augmenting its observation network in Tamil Nadu under Mission Mausam, with 65 automatic weather stations and 80 automatic rain gauges currently in place. The network will be further expanded in flood-prone districts. The IMD is also collaborating with the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority to improve flood preparedness and has shared real-time weather data and sector-specific weather warnings. The IMD mobile application and farmer-specific forecast platforms are being made available in Tamil to reach rural populations.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is taking significant steps to bolster its observation network in Tamil Nadu under the Mission Mausam initiative. This expansion aims to improve weather forecasting and disaster preparedness, particularly in flood-prone districts.

Currently, Tamil Nadu hosts 65 automatic weather stations (AWS) and 80 automatic rain gauges (ARGs). In the flood-prone districts of Chennai, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam, there are a total of eight AWS and eight ARGs. The IMD plans to augment this network further based on specific requirements.

The IMD is also collaborating with the Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority (TNSDMA) to enhance flood preparedness. This collaboration involves sharing real-time weather data and sector-specific weather warnings. Additionally, the Central Water Commission has been directed to issue short-range flood forecasts with a lead time of 24 hours.

To better reach the rural population and agricultural workers, the IMD is making efforts to provide Tamil-language versions of its mobile application and farmer-specific forecast platforms. The 'Uzhavar' mobile application developed by the State Agriculture Department now includes district-level agromet advisories in Tamil, and multiple platforms, including WhatsApp, are being used to disseminate weather information in the local language.

These initiatives underscore the IMD's commitment to improving weather forecasting and disaster management in Tamil Nadu, ensuring that both urban and rural populations are better prepared for potential weather-related events.

References:
[1] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/imd-augmenting-its-observation-network-in-tn-under-mission-mausam-mos-jitendra-singh/article69874660.ece