NEW DELHI: Highlighting the significance of strengthening early warning systems to mitigate risks from disasters, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to natural disasters and climate change.

Addressing the International Conference on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (ICDRI) via videoconference, the Prime Minister said that India in recent times witnessed Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, and Hurricane Helene in the United States.

"The theme of this conference is shaping our resilient future for coastal regions. Coastal regions and islands are at great risk due to natural disasters and climate change. In recent times, we saw Cyclone Remal in India and Bangladesh, Hurricane Beryl in the Caribbean, Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia, Hurricane Helene in the United States, Typhoon Usagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in parts of Africa. Such disasters damage life and property," the Prime Minister said.

He recounted India's experience during the super cyclone of 1999 and the Tsunami in 2004. "India also experienced the pain during the super cyclone of 1999 and the tsunami in 2004. Cyclone shelters were constructed across the vulnerable areas. We also helped build a Tsunami Warning system for 29 countries," PM Modi said.

"The coalition for disaster-resilient infrastructure is working with 25 small island developmental states. Resilient homes, hospitals, schools, energy and water security and early warning systems are being built," he added.

Further emphasising the need for a skilled workforce to tackle future challenges, PM Modi said, "Courses, modules and skill-development projects need to become part of the higher education system. This will build a skilled workforce that can tackle future challenges.

"Many countries faced disasters and rebuilt with resilience. A global digital repository for the learnings and best practices would be beneficial. Disaster resilience requires innovative finance; we must design actionable programmes and ensure that developing nations have access to finance," he added, stressing the global digital repository.

"Strengthening early warning systems and coordination is crucial. This helps in early decisions and effective last-mile communication," the Prime Minister further said.