India University and Institution Network on Disaster Risk Reduction – National Institute of Disaster Management (IUINDRR-NIDM) in collaboration with NESAC and Department of Geology, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, Meghalaya conducted a Webinar on Use of Science and Technology in Early Warning of Disaster in North Eastern Region of India on May 20, 2021 through Zoom and Youtube platforms. A total of 314 participants from various organisations attended the programme.
The webinar was coordinated by Dr. Preeti Soni, Senior Programme Consultant, IUINDRR-NIDM and Asst. Prof, Nisha Chettri, Department of Geology, St. Anthonys College with assistance from NIDM and NESAC. Rev. Father Joby Joseph SDB, St. Anthony’s College, Shillong delivered the keynote address and welcomed the participants on behalf of Rev. Br. Dr. Albert L. Dkhar, Principal St. Anthony’s College. Shri P L N Raju, Director, NESAC delivered the special keynote address, where he highlighted about the key roles of NESAC in Disaster management. Prof. Santosh Kumar, Head GDRR, NIDM, in his address emphasized on the use of science and technology in early warning system, disaster scenario and other uncertainties, which may play a vital role in the immediate future.
Dr. Preeti Soni, SPC gave special focus on the Prime Minister’s 10 points agenda, specifically on the agenda 6 that deals about the role of higher education in DRR apart from role of women and community in disaster management in her presentation. Dr. Saurabh Baruah, Scientist G, CSIR-NEIST delivered a talk on Seismic Hazard of Meghalaya Plateau and its vulnerability and use of Science & Technology for dissemination of early warning. Dr Parag Phukon, Professor, Gauhati University, Department of Geological Sciences, talked on landslides in the NE region of India, its causes and consequences. Dr. Gopal Sharma, Scientist SD, NESAC discussed on how space technology can be utilised for studying the earthquake signatures prior to its occurrences. The programme ended with vote of thanks proposed by Ms Nisha Chettri, Asst. Professsor, St. Anthonys College, Shillong.
