Over the past decade, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) of India has made significant strides in enhancing the country’s preparedness and response to natural disasters. Established in 2005, NDMA has played a crucial role in formulating policies, coordinating between various stakeholders, and implementing disaster management plans.

One key area of effectiveness has been in early warning systems and disaster preparedness. NDMA has worked on improving forecasting capabilities, early warning dissemination, and community preparedness, especially in cyclone-prone coastal areas. This proactive approach has helped reduce casualties and damage during cyclones like Phailin and Fani.NDMA has focused on capacity building at various levels, including training programs for first responders and stakeholders involved in disaster management. This has enhanced the response time and effectiveness during disasters such as earthquakes and floods.challenges remain, particularly in ensuring last-mile connectivity and community involvement in disaster preparedness. Coordination between central and state agencies also needs continuous improvement to streamline response efforts. while NDMA has made commendable progress in disaster management over the last decade, ongoing efforts in capacity building, coordination, and community engagement are crucial for further enhancing effectiveness in mitigating natural disasters across India.