<span style="color: #222222;">Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Dr. M. Rajeevan dedicated Flash Flood Guidance services, first of its kind for South Asian countries namely India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka.<br />'' <br />'' The system was launched virtually and was participated by distinguished National and International dignitaries including Head of Hydrological and Water Resources Services Division, World Meteorological Organization, Dr. Hwirin Kim, Director, Hydrologic Research Centre, USA Dr. Konstantine P. Georgakakos, and Member Secretary NDMA, G.V.V. Sarma.<br />'' <br />'' In his inaugural address, Dr. Rajeevan, brought out the need for enhancing the observational network for rainfall and soil moisture to improvise the performance of the system.<br />'' <br />'' An automated mode of dissemination is to be established with the stakeholders along with the use of social media, so that the information reaches the concerned disaster authorities in a timely manner.<br />''<br />''Dr. M. Mohapatra, Director General of IMD and Permanent Representative of India with WMO assured the member nations that the Guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats 6 hours in advance and Risks 24 hours in advance will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stake holders for taking necessary mitigation measures.</span>