New digital platform- DRIMS launched for online reporting of disaster damages in Assam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMay 15, 2024

Assam chief secretary Ravi Kota on Wednesday launched a digital platform – DRIMS (Disaster Reporting and Information Management System for online reporting of damages incurred during various disasters at a function held at Assam Administrative Staff College (AASC), Khanapara here.

DRIMS is a state-of-the-art initiative of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA) for accurate reporting and assessment of damages caused by disasters and disbursal of aid to those affected by them. This platform has been developed in collaboration with UNICEF and efficiently captures critical impact indicators of damages during disasters, which helps to deliver relief and rehabilitation grants expeditiously to the affected beneficiaries. 

It also tracks damages to crops, loss of livestock etc. expediting post-disaster restoration efforts.

Kota also released the Handbook on Financial Assistance during Disasters. 

The chief secretary also inaugurated the state-level training programme on incident response systems for responders which is being conducted by the National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM). The disaster assistance handbook will empower people to understand their entitlements during and after disasters thereby enabling greater demand and access to assistance especially for children and women in affected communities.

Speaking on the occasion, Kota hailed the efforts of the ASDMA in disaster mitigation and response especially during the floods. He highlighted that as Assam is prone to multiple disasters, it’s a great beginning to have all the information at one online platform.

Earlier ASDMA CEO Gyandendra Dev Tripathi welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and said that it is an upgrade of FRIMS with a myriad of modern technology features for multi-disaster reporting.

Speaking on the occasion, UNICEF India’s Deputy Representative for Programmes, Arjan De Wagt said: “What has impressed me the most about this system is the efficiency of data verification and compilation, which helps save the precious time of field workers on the ground.”

Addressing the event, UNICEF’s chief of field office for Assam and NE, Madhulika Jonathan said: “Assam has a complex disaster and climate risk landscape. DRIMS is a groundbreaking digital solution which is built on the Flood Reporting Information System and sets a higher standard for disaster management in India.”

The ceremony ended with ASDMA’s state project coordinator Alakananda Medhi proposing the vote of thanks.

Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Chief Technical Advisor, NIUA (National Institute of Urban Affairs); Dr B Kalyan Chakravarthy, principal secretary, labour welfare: John Ekka, principal secretary, tourism; Aruna Rajoria, agricultural production commissioner; MS Manivannan, commissioner & secretary, GAD graced the programme.