Visakhapatnam: The proposed Centre for Disaster Management at Andhra University (AU) will conduct scientific research into natural disasters such as cyclones, sunstroke deaths and others in Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.The National Institute of Disaster Management ( NIDM ) has asked varsity officials to collaborate with them to leverage the research findings, which will help in drawing up blueprints on preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery from disasters.The centre will also double as a training academy. It will offer several courses related to disaster management to civilians.Given that a systematic research has, so far, not been undertaken into the disasters in Andhra Pradesh. Such a collaborative approach, based on local needs, between researchers, officials, policymakers, response forces and other agencies is expected to help in effective disaster management.Speaking to TOI, Andhra University vice chancellor Professor G Nageswara Rao said that they will meet the NIDM executive director and top leadership of the defence ministry at the end of this month to discuss the proposals for the centre. “Chandan Ghosh, a senior professor of NIDM and a nodal officer at the Prime Minister’s Office for the disaster management core team, during his recent visit to the varsity had proposed the Centre for Disaster Management. Even though we have already launched a disaster management course, currently it is limited to the defence forces. Once the centre is launched, the courses will be extended to civilians. Skilled manpower is the need of the hour to monitor and manage the disasters. Researchers at the Centre will rush to the spot during the disaster, which could offer insights for better framing of policies,” said Prof Rao. He added that the MoU is likely to take shape in the first half of November.The Centre for Disaster Management will be set up in collaboration with the department of meteorology and oceanography and other departments of Andhra University.Prof Ghosh, during his last meet with varsity officials, suggested that the course on disaster management be extended to civilians.

Stay updated with all the Latest Visakhapatnam headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.