Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), has been awarded the prestigious United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. Established in 1986 with support from The Nippon Foundation, this award is the highest international honor recognizing outstanding contributions in disaster risk reduction.
The 2025 theme, “Connecting science to people: Democratizing access to innovation and technology for disaster-resilient communities,” highlights Dr. Mohapatra’s pioneering efforts in drastically reducing cyclone-related fatalities across the north Indian Ocean region. His impact extends beyond India to 13 member countries of the WMO/ESCAP Panel bordering the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea.
Known affectionately as the “Cyclone Man of India,” Dr. Mohapatra has been a trailblazer in making advanced scientific forecasting accessible to vulnerable communities. By developing impact-based forecasting, he has tailored cyclone warnings specifically for farmers, fishermen, infrastructure sectors, and disaster managers. His people-focused approach has enhanced accuracy, clarity, and trust in weather warnings, saving countless lives and minimizing disaster impacts nationwide.
This recognition not only honors Dr. Mohapatra’s visionary leadership but also reinforces India’s expanding role in global disaster risk management. The IMD expresses heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister, Minister of Earth Sciences, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences for their visionary guidance and unwavering support in advancing Early Warning Systems that benefit the entire region.
