Bhubaneswar: BRICS countries lauded Odisha for its achievements in protecting lives during disasters and recognized the state’s sustained efforts to achieve near-zero casualty outcomes during major cyclones, a minister said on Saturday.
Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari made the remark while addressing a joint press conference of the National Disaster Management Authority and the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority here after the conclusion of the three-day BRICS disaster risk reduction meeting in Puri.
“The successful hosting of the BRICS Disaster Reduction meeting contributed to strengthening Odisha’s international position as a leading country in the field of disaster resilience and preparedness,” he said.
The minister said it is closely aligned with the vision articulated under the FEXIT Odisha 2036 framework, which seeks to sustain casualty-free outcomes across disasters, strengthen resilient infrastructure, modernize the ODRAF framework, and reduce the impacts of disasters on livelihoods.
The meeting also helped Odisha strengthen its resolve to face the challenges of natural disasters.
“The meeting enabled officials and disaster management specialists in Odisha to communicate directly with international experts, exchange knowledge and learn from global experiences in disaster risk reduction,” he added.
Delegates also witnessed a live water rescue demonstration by ODRAF in Ramchandi, showcasing the state’s operational preparedness, specialized equipment and response capabilities for flood and water emergencies.
The meeting, held under the title “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Collaboration 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 – to enhance cooperation in disaster risk reduction.
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Sharan Majhi addressed the inaugural session on June 4.
Hosting the international meeting provided Odisha with a valuable opportunity to showcase its globally recognized disaster management system, an official statement said.
She said the state presented its best practices in early warning systems, hurricane preparedness, evacuation planning and community disaster management.
Besides disaster management, the event also provided an opportunity to highlight Odisha’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential, the statement added.
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