PM Modi outlines 5 disaster-resilience priorities

New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi outlined five important priorities for building disaster-resilient infrastructure in a video message to the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure 2025. These include developing a skilled workforce, creating a global digital repository to share best practices, and promoting innovative financing. Modi also stressed the importance of strengthening early-warning systems and improving coordination to better handle disasters.

He highlighted India’s tsunami-warning system that helps 29 countries and recognized the unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, which need special attention due to their vulnerability.

Modi thanked French President Emmanuel Macron for hosting the event in Europe and wished him well for the upcoming United Nations Oceans Conference. The conference theme focuses on protecting coastal regions, which are highly vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change.

Referring to recent disasters like Cyclone Remal, Hurricane Beryl, Typhoon Yagi, and others, Modi emphasized the urgent need for strong infrastructure and disaster preparedness. He recalled India’s experiences with the 1999 super-cyclone and 2004 tsunami, explaining how the country rebuilt with resilience by constructing cyclone shelters and helping set up early-warning systems.

Modi called for global cooperation to create durable infrastructure and ensure developing countries have access to funds for disaster resilience. He urged the world to work together for a safer, stronger future against disasters.