Gandhinagar, August 18: The government and state administration prioritize minimizing loss of life and property during natural disasters. The ‘Sachet’ app, developed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), along with the ‘Sachet National Disaster Alert Portal’, has proven invaluable in saving lives during crises.
In Gujarat, the ‘Sachet’ app provides essential information to farmers and fishermen in coastal areas, helping them avoid potential dangers and losses. The app utilizes Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) and geo-fencing technology to send real-time alerts and updates about disasters such as cyclones, heavy rainfall, lightning, floods, and heatwaves. This enables fishermen and farmers to relocate to safer areas and mitigate potential damages.
Farmers have shared their experiences on how the ‘Sachet’ app has significantly changed their approach to disaster preparedness. Ambubhai Patel, a farmer from Valsad, stated that the app provides crucial weather updates, alerting them about impending storms and rain, allowing timely returns to their homes from the fields.
He noted, “If a farmer’s crop is ready for harvest, they can move it to a safe location. The ‘Sachet’ app delivers essential information to the public.”
Another fisherman, Bhagubhai Tandela, expressed that the app is highly beneficial for the fishing community, providing timely alerts whenever rain is forecasted.
Notably, traditional communication methods like TV and radio take considerable time to disseminate disaster alerts and responses. In contrast, the ‘Sachet’ app streamlines and accelerates this process.
Through the ‘Sachet’ app and portal, alerts are sent by the state government, local administration, and village-level bodies, enhancing the effectiveness of relief and rescue operations.
Ashok Kumar Das, the director of the Ahmedabad Meteorological Department, explained that the app provides weather information and updates, ensuring timely awareness of weather conditions for the public.
Relief Director S.C. Sawaliya reported that during this year’s monsoon, approximately 700 million messages were sent through various warning systems in Ahmedabad. Developed by the NDMA, this app serves as a ‘digital shield’ for thousands affected by adverse weather conditions.
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