Disaster management project launched in Wayanad, India

A new disaster management project called 'Munnorukkam' was launched in Wayanad, Kerala, on March 22, 2025. This initiative aims to help local communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. The project is a partnership between Pozhuthana and Meppadi panchayats with support from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD). NABARD's chief general manager, Baiju N. Kurup, officially opened the program during a ceremony. The event was led by Wayanad district panchayat president Shamsad Marakkar. During her speech, Pozhuthana panchayat president Anas Rosna Steffi emphasized the need for community involvement in disaster readiness. Key goals of the project include setting up local weather monitoring systems and empowering residents to foresee potential disasters. The plan also focuses on developing strategies to reduce disaster risks, coordinating with local authorities to enhance community resilience. C.K. Vishnudas, director of The Hume Centre, provided details on how the project will be structured to better protect the region from natural threats.