Who is the 'Cyclone Man of India' Honored with the UN Sasakawa Award 2025?
Recognition for Disaster Risk Reduction
Bhubaneswar: Naveen Patnaik, the Leader of Opposition in the Odisha Assembly, extended his congratulations to Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, the Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), for being awarded the esteemed United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for his efforts in Disaster Risk Reduction.
In a post on X, Patnaik, who has served as Chief Minister five times, expressed, "I congratulate #Odisha's Dr. Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology at @Indiametdept, for receiving the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. His groundbreaking work has significantly lowered cyclone-related deaths in the Indian Ocean region. #Odisha takes pride in your accomplishment."
Congratulate #Odisha’s Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of Meteorology of @Indiametdept on being conferred with United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for Disaster Risk Reduction. He has been awarded for his pioneering work in reducing cyclone-related fatalities across the… pic.twitter.com/U180zgtyZ3
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 9, 2025
Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, known as the 'Cyclone Man of India' and originally from Bhadrak district in Odisha, has been acknowledged for his exceptional work in tropical cyclone forecasting and the development of early warning systems.
Since 2019, he has held the position of IMD Director General and is also one of the three vice-presidents of the World Meteorological Organisation, a UN body focused on climate change, weather, and water.
The award was presented at the eighth session of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction, which took place recently in Geneva.
In his response, Mohapatra stated, "I am truly thankful to receive the United Nations Sasakawa Award 2025 for disaster risk reduction."
Earlier this year, he was also honored with the Scientific and Technological Activities Commission Outstanding Service Award 2025 by the American Meteorological Society for his innovative contributions to improving tropical cyclone prediction and warning systems.