Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS)

Learn about the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS), its features, and role in disaster preparedness and risk reduction in India.

Context: India has taken a significant leap in disaster preparedness with the launch of the Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS).

About Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS)

The Multi-Hazard Early Warning Decision Support System (MHEW-DSS) is an advanced digital forecasting platform developed by the IMD using open-source technology and in-house expertise.
Introduced in 2024 under Mission Mausam
Primary Objective: To build an integrated and indigenous forecasting system capable of delivering accurate, real-time, and impact-based multi-hazard forecasts across India.

Salient features of MHEW-DSS

Automated Weather Data Processing: Over 90% of weather data collection, quality checks, and integration are automated, enabling faster detection of weather systems and their possible impacts.
Better Use of Forecast Models: More than 95% of numerical weather prediction model inputs are now used in forecasting, improving risk assessment for different weather hazards.
Re-engineered Forecasting System: The entire forecasting and warning generation process has been re-engineered, enabling real-time alerts and faster decision-making.
Longer Forecast Lead Time: Forecast lead time has increased from 5 days to 7 days, allowing authorities and communities to prepare in advance.
Faster Forecast Preparation: The time required to prepare forecasts has reduced by about 3 hours from 6 hours, enabling quicker dissemination of warnings.
Cost Savings and Self-Reliance: The system has generated around ₹250 crore in cost savings and eliminated dependence on foreign vendors, strengthening India’s technological self-reliance.
Effective Cyclone Forecasting: Accurate forecasts during Cyclone Biparjoy and Cyclone Dana enabled timely evacuation, resulting in zero casualties in Gujarat and Odisha.
Reduced Evacuation Costs: Improved early warnings have helped reduce evacuation costs to one-third from 1999 to 2024 due to a reduction in cyclone landfall point forecast error in the 3-5 days ahead forecast issued by IMD.

Mission Mausam

It is a flagship initiative aimed at strengthening weather forecasting and early warning capabilities across the country.
The mission aims to enhance the accuracy, resolution and lead time of forecasts for extreme weather events such as cyclones, heavy rainfall and heat waves.

Mausamgram

Mausamgram is a web-based, hyper-local weather forecasting portal developed by the IMD under the MoES.
The platform delivers location-specific forecasts up to 10 days covering more than 1.5 lakh pin codes, 5,700 blocks, and over 6.2 lakh villages across India.
Accessible through the IMD website, the Mausam mobile app, the SACHET platform, e-Panchayat Seva, and APIs, the portal ensures wide public and institutional access.