New Delhi, June 7: Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been honoured with the esteemed United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. The award was presented by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) during the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, held in Geneva.
Recognized globally as one of the most prestigious accolades in the field of disaster risk management, the UN Sasakawa Award is given to individuals and institutions demonstrating outstanding initiatives, leadership, and innovation in reducing disaster risks and enhancing resilience. Mr. Mohapatra was selected for this high honour in recognition of his exceptional and pioneering contributions to tropical cyclone forecasting and early warning systems in India.
Often hailed as the "Cyclone Man of India," Mr. Mohapatra, who hails from the eastern Indian state of Odisha, has played a critical role in transforming India’s disaster forecasting capabilities. Over the past several years, his precise and timely predictions have helped save countless lives and significantly reduced the impact of natural disasters, particularly cyclones, along India’s vulnerable coastlines.
His work has been particularly instrumental in states like Odisha, which frequently bear the brunt of severe cyclonic storms from the Bay of Bengal. Mohapatra's forecasts have not only stood out for their scientific accuracy but also for their impact in enabling effective evacuation and preparedness strategies by disaster management authorities.
Under his leadership, the IMD has adopted advanced technologies and improved coordination with disaster response teams, leading to a paradigm shift in how India prepares for and responds to natural calamities. His efforts have also contributed to building public trust in weather advisories, especially in rural and disaster-prone regions.
The award not only marks a personal milestone for Mr. Mohapatra but also serves as a proud moment for India, reinforcing the country's growing stature in global disaster risk management efforts. Speaking at the event, UNDRR officials lauded his scientific excellence, dedication, and life-saving contributions, which have become a model for many countries facing similar climate challenges.
