IMD DG Mrutyunjay Mohapatra receives United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction
IMD DG Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra has been awarded the Sasakawa award for his contributions to building disaster-resilient communities.
Bhubaneswar: Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been awarded the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Established in 1986 with the support of The Nippon Foundation, the United Nations Sasakawa Award is the most prestigious international recognition in the field of disaster risk reduction.
It honours individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions to building disaster-resilient communities. The theme for 2025, “Connecting science to people: Democratizing access to innovation and technology for disaster-resilient communities,” underscores the significance of Dr.Mohapatra’s groundbreaking work in minimising deaths due to any cyclone over the north Indian Ocean region, not only in India, but also in 13 WMO/ESCAP Panel member countries bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Affectionately known as the “Cyclone Man of India,” he has been instrumental in making scientific forecasting accessible to vulnerable populations, thereby saving countless lives and minimizing disaster impacts across the country. He pioneered impact-based forecasting, tailoring warnings for farmers, fishermen, infrastructure, and disaster managers. His people-centric approach brought accuracy, clarity and trust.
This accolade not only recognizes Dr. Mohapatra’s insightful leadership but also reaffirms India’s growing role in advancing global disaster risk management. The India Meteorological Department expresses sincere gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Minister of Earth Sciences and Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences for their visionary leadership and encouragement for improvement of Early Warning System benefiting not only the country but also the entire region.
Congratulations India!! A Proud Moment for Nation !!
Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology, India Meteorological Department has received the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award-2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction!
A huge step forward in global disaster… pic.twitter.com/4qZcMvFDUi
— India Meteorological Department (@Indiametdept) June 5, 2025
