Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today urged the inclusion of disaster risk reduction strategies as an intrinsic part of the development process. He also stressed the need to strengthen forecast and early disaster warning capabilitites to make the nation disaster resilient.

On the ocassion of the 9th foundation day of the National Disaster Management Authority, Dr Singh paid homage to 20 persons who lost their lives in the June 25th chopper crash during rescue operations in Uttarakhand floods. They include nine personel from the National Disaster Response Force, six from the ITBP and five Indian Air Force crew members. Dr. Singh presented the NDMA commendation roll to family members of the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives in Uttarakhand in service of the nation. The commendation also includes a cash component of two lakh rupees.