Explained: Why early warning systems for floods and cyclones fall short

Lack of scientific data on the effectiveness of warning systems and lack of localised action plans to follow warnings, are some issues that plague India's Early Warning Systems

As the 2022 monsoon season spreads across India, triggering devastating floods in Assam and other parts of northeast India, and with climate change exacerbating extreme weather events, we take stock of India's early warning systems in preventing loss of lives, property, crops and infrastructure.

The Indian government says it has modern, sophisticated early warning systems for floods and cyclones. But the lack of impact-based forecasts that identify risks, poor dissemination of information to people, lack of scientific data on the effectiveness of warning systems and lack of localised action plans to follow warnings, are some issues that plague India's Early