THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

PURI, JUNE 3, 2026

Showcasing Odisha’s globally acclaimed disaster preparedness and resilience framework, the second BRICS 2026 Meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction Group (DRRG) commenced in Puri on Wednesday, bringing together policymakers, disaster management experts and senior officials from 11 BRICS member nations for deliberations on strengthening global cooperation against growing climate and disaster risks.

Hosted by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under India’s BRICS Chairmanship, the three-day meeting is themed “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” The high-level gathering has drawn participation from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The meeting aims to deepen collaboration among BRICS nations in addressing the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters driven by climate change, while promoting sustainable and resilient development strategies.

Delegates will engage in extensive discussions on a wide range of subjects, including community-based disaster risk reduction, innovative financing mechanisms, multi-hazard early warning systems, resilient infrastructure, nature-based solutions, and the role of science, technology and innovation in enhancing disaster resilience.

Odisha’s selection as the host state underscores its international recognition for disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. The state has earned praise globally for achieving zero casualties during several recent severe cyclones through effective early warning dissemination, timely evacuation measures and strong community participation.

During the BRICS Technical Meeting, Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, Special Relief Commissioner and Managing Director of the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), presented Odisha’s robust early warning system, zero-casualty approach and successful disaster management model before the international delegates.

As part of the programme, participants will witness live demonstrations of water rescue operations by the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) at Ramchandi beach. They will also interact with trained community volunteers under OSDMA and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Konark to gain insights into Odisha’s community-driven resilience initiatives.

The inaugural session is being attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, NDMA Member and Head of Department Dr Krishna Swaroop Vatsa, besides senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs.

The deliberations are expected to pave the way for enhanced knowledge sharing, collaborative initiatives and actionable frameworks that will help BRICS nations strengthen disaster preparedness and build resilient societies. Through the exchange of experiences and best practices, member countries are seeking to reduce disaster risks and ensure sustainable development amid mounting climatic challenges.

The outcomes of the Puri meeting are expected to contribute to broader BRICS discussions later this year, reinforcing the grouping’s commitment to collective action and international cooperation in addressing global disaster and climate-related challenges.