In the aftermath of the relentless heavy rain wreaking havoc in Tamil Nadu, State Minister Mano Thangaraj has raised concerns about the timeliness of weather updates provided by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Expressing his apprehensions on a designated platform, Thangaraj conveyed that the delays in weather forecasts had impeded the state government's prompt response to the unfolding flood situation.
Delving into the issue, Thangaraj articulated, "A significant concern pertained to the temporal disparity in the issuance of weather alerts. The duration between the issuance of the Red Alert and the actual occurrence of flooding was notably shorter than what would have been optimal, as observed in certain Western models prevalent in those countries."
Highlighting this critical temporal lag in the forecasting system, he underscored the imperative for more immediate and precise weather alerts. Making a comparative reference to Western models, Thangaraj underscored their efficacy in predicting intensified and more immediate downpours with heightened accuracy. The minister stressed that any delay in delivering precise alerts has the potential to adversely impact the government's preparedness and responsiveness to flooding incidents.
"In nations employing Western models, the provision of more accurate and immediate warnings facilitates enhanced preparedness, resulting in minimized property damage and a reduction in the number of individuals stranded," asserted Minister Thangaraj in his statement.
Additionally, he urged the central government to proactively adopt measures to address the escalating climate crisis, advocating for a reconfigured approach to effectively tackle the challenges posed by unpredictable weather patterns.