IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra Wins UN Sasakawa Award For Disaster Risk Reduction

IMD Chief Mrutyunjay Mohapatra Wins UN Sasakawa Award For Disaster Risk Reduction

Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been awarded the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award for Disaster Risk Reduction, in recognition of his pioneering work in improving tropical cyclone forecasting and early warning systems.

The honour was presented to him at a high-profile ceremony during the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, celebrating his remarkable leadership in enhancing disaster resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities.

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), congratulated Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra on receiving this prestigious award, praising his exceptional contributions to disaster risk reduction and early warning systems.

In a heartfelt message of support, she wrote, “In India, he is widely known as the ‘Cyclone Man’. Within the global WMO community, he is celebrated for his outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the #EarlyWarningsForAll initiative. We at WMO deeply value the India Meteorological Department (IMD), which serves as our regional tropical cyclone centre for the Indian Ocean. Under Dr. Mohapatra’s leadership, IMD has made remarkable strides in improving the accuracy and effectiveness of cyclone forecasting efforts that have saved countless lives through timely warnings and coordinated preparedness.”

She further added, “Dr. Mohapatra is a highly respected leader in the global disaster risk reduction community. His visionary leadership has transformed IMD into a major force, both nationally and internationally. As IMD celebrates its 150th anniversary and WMO marks its 75th, this recognition is a truly fitting birthday gift to our Third Vice-President.”