Kerala Launches 'KaWaCHaM', First Fully Integrated Disaster Warning System

The system is designed to ensure rapid public alerts during extreme disasters and comprises 126 siren-strobe lights and emergency operation centres.

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala launched Kerala Warnings, a Crisis and Hazard Management System 'KaWaCHaM', India’s first fully integrated disaster warning system, under the National Cyclone Preparedness Project on Tuesday. The system is designed to ensure rapid public alerts during extreme disasters and comprises 126 siren-strobe lights, emergency operation centres, decision-support software, and a data hub. As of now, 91 sirens have been installed across the state, with plans for full implementation in 126 locations.

The initiative, funded by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the World Bank, is spearheaded by the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). It aims to enhance public safety by providing real-time alerts and warnings through sirens and mobile messages. "This system will allow us to provide accurate warnings to the public and rescue forces, ensuring timely relocation when necessary," said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The system features emergency operation centres, surveillance cameras, and control rooms operating 24/7. These control rooms are linked via a virtual private network, enabling quick monitoring of disaster-prone areas and rapid response in case of any danger. The system also stores critical data, such as the locations of water bodies, roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other key infrastructure, to aid in disaster management.

A key part of the project is public education. “It is crucial to educate people on the warnings issued through sirens and the appropriate actions to take,” said Vijayan. As many as 91 sirens are installed currently, as a part of the first phase. The next phase will include the remaining sirens, alongside ongoing operational trials.

How does It Work?

The 'KaWaCHaM' system has a citizen portal and 24-hour emergency call centres. Through these platforms, the public can report hazards or seek help during emergencies. Information, including the caller's location, is immediately transferred to nearby rescue teams, with measures tracked via the control rooms. The police, fire brigade, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) control rooms are also integrated into this network.

State revenue minister K Rajan highlighted Kerala’s pioneering role in disaster preparedness in the inaugural session, noting that the state is the first in India to establish panchayat-level disaster management committees. The government is committed to extending this safety network to all disaster-prone areas of Kerala, ensuring comprehensive protection against extreme events. As part of its broader efforts, Kerala has already implemented weather warnings through mobile messages and social media, and the KaWaCHaM system serves as an extension of these ongoing safety measures.