IMD COLOUR CODED WARNINGS (Syllabus GS Paper 3 – Disaster Management)

Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted intensified rains for Mumbai, issuing a yellow alert in its five-day district forecast.

IMD Colour-Coded Warnings

• Green Alert (No Warning)

oThe Green alert signifies rainfall less than 64 mm in 24 hours.

oIt indicates that no advisory needs to be issued due to minimal impact from weather conditions.

• Yellow Alert (Be Updated)

oA Yellow alert is issued for expected rainfall between 64.5 mm and 115.5 mm.

oIt warns that current weather conditions could worsen, prompting people to stay updated with the latest information.

• Orange Alert (Be Prepared)

oAn Orange alert is issued for extremely severe weather conditions.

oIt impacts transportation systems such as roads, railways, and air travel, urging preparedness measures to mitigate risks.

• Red Alert (Take Action)

oA Red alert is issued when rainfall exceeds 204.5 mm in 24 hours.

oIt signals extremely severe weather conditions that can disrupt transport, power supply, and pose significant risks to life, requiring immediate action and precautionary measures.

India Meteorological Department:

• About: It is a principal government agency for meteorology and related matters.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Organization Structure: Director General of Meteorology heads IMD.

oThere are 20 Deputy Directors General of whom 10 are at New Delhi.

• Headquarters: New Delhi