EARLY WARNING

Early warning is a major element of disaster risk reduction. It prevents loss of life and reduces the economic and material impact of disasters. To be effective, early warning systems need to actively involve the communities at risk, facilitate public education and awareness of risks, effectively disseminate messages and warnings and ensure there is constant state of preparedness.

In January 2005, the World Conference on Disaster Reduction adopted the “Hyogo Framework for Action 2005- 2015: Building the Resilience of Nations and Communities to Disasters”. This included clear references to the importance of early warning, and encouraged the development of “early warning systems that are people centered, in particular systems whose warnings are timely and understandable to those at risk (…) including guidance on how to act upon warnings…

The objective of people-centered early warning systems is to empower individuals and communities threatened by hazards to act in sufficient time and in an appropriate manner so as to reduce the possibility of personal injury, loss of life and damage to property and the environment.

A complete and effective early warning system comprises four inter-related elements, spanning knowledge of hazards and vulnerabilities through to preparedness and capacity to respond. A weakness or failure in any one part could result in failure of the whole system.

Best practice early warning systems also have strong inter-linkages between all of the elements, which are underpinned by communication and effective governance and institutional arrangements. The major players concerned with the different elements should meet regularly to ensure they understand all of the other components and what other parties need from them.

Risk Knowledge

Risks arise from the combination of the hazards and the vulnerabilities to hazards that are present at a particular location or region. Assessments of risk require systematic collection and analysis of data and should take into account the dynamic and variability of hazards and vulnerabilities that arise from processes such as urbanization, rural land-use change, environmental degradation and climate change. Risk assessments and maps help to motivate people, prioritize early warning system needs and guide preparations for response and disaster prevention activities.

Monitoring and Warning Service

Warning services lie at the core of the system. They must have a sound scientific basis for predicting and forecasting and must reliably operate 24 hours a day. Continuous monitoring of hazard parameters and precursors is necessary to generate accurate warnings in a timely fashion. Warning services for the different hazards should be coordinated where possible to
gain the benefit of shared institutional, procedural and communication networks.

Dissemination and Communication

The warnings must get to those at risk. For people to understand the warnings, they must contain clear, useful
information that enables proper responses. Regional, national and community level communication channels and tools must be pre-identified and one authoritative voice established. The use of multiple communication channels is necessary to ensure everyone is reached and avoid failure of any one channel, as well as to reinforce the warning message.

Response Capability

It is essential that communities understand their risks; they must also respect the warning service and should know how to react. This requires systematic education and preparedness programmes led by disaster management authorities. It is essential that disaster management plans are in place and are well practiced and tested and that the community is well informed on options for safe behavior and escape and on means to avoid damage and loss to property.

Projects from Africa and the Middle East

Alert Africa-An African Early Warning System

Location: Africa

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Governance, Evaluation & Implementation, Education & Public
Awareness

Submitting Organizations: African Union and World Food Programme

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 24 months, 1,645,000 USD

Primary Contact: Carlo Scaramella carlo.scaramella@wfp.org
Tel: +39 6 65132962

Abstract: In cooperation with the World Food Programme (WFP), the African Union (AU) is examining the impact of conflicts and natural hazards on food production and food security, covering areas such as emergency preparedness, response mechanisms and disaster management, and assessment of early warning systems. WFP brings its experience in building networks of scientific partners and designing comprehensive early warning systems. This joint project will enhance the AU Commission’s corporate preparedness and response capacity. The project should help develop an early warning platform for AU countries with standards, methodologies and dedicated management support tools. This will facilitate the establishment of more effective links between early warning activities and the decision-making processes in the AU countries.

Managing Risks Related to Weather/Climate Extremes in Southern Africa

Location: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 48 months, 2,300,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Victor A. Simango vsimango@wmo.int
Tel: +41 22 7308303

Abstract: Natural hazards, such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones, are a major challenge to the sustainable development of Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. The objective of this project is to provide the SADC region with the necessary tools for managing the risks posed by extreme weather and climate events. This objective will be achieved by: strengthening regional collaboration and coordination in the provision of meteorological and hydrological information, products and services; improving weather and climate monitoring and prediction; basin-wide flood forecasting and modeling capabilities; building the capacity of the SADC National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, and the SADC Drought Monitoring Centre, to generate, interpret, and apply early warning information for use in disaster management and mitigation.

UNICEF Project Sentinelle: Early Warning with Focus on Children, Preventing Child Malnutrition in the Sahel

Location: Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal

Project Type: Malnutrition, Evaluation & Implementation, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: UNICEF

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 36 months, 10,725,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Olivier Degreef odegreef@unicef.org
Tel: +41 22 909 56 55

Abstract: As a result of drought, locust invasions and other climate risks, including floods, malnutrition is an ongoing threat to children’s lives in the Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal). An estimated 300,000 children die of malnutrition every year. However, early response can prevent morbidity and mortality of children. While early warning systems do exist in the Sahel countries they are based on climate (e.g. rainfall, locust invasion), and access to food (availability, prices) which do not adequately coincide with malnutrition levels of children.
This project will develop methodologies for sustainable community-based data collection; experimental implementation of data collection and ongoing monitoring of results; harmonized protocols across the region; and adoption of national early warning systems.

Disaster Awareness in Schools

Location: Burundi

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Youth Strategy for Disaster Reduction (YSDR)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 59,760 USD

Primary Contact: Gorgon Sabushimike wgaproject@yahoo.fr
Tel: +257 931 013

Abstract: In the absence of a national disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy, the Burundian Youth Strategy for Disaster Reduction movement calls for the introduction of a disaster awareness programme in schools. This project aims at the development of modules, initially for primary schools but subsequently to be expanded to secondary schools and universities, for teaching disaster awareness and risk reduction courses. Heads of schools (or of other public entities) would become designated officials for the issuance of early warnings and rescue actions for those under their supervision. This approach would need to be approved by the Ministries of Environment, National Education, Public Security and Interior.

Youth Contribution in Disaster Reduction

Location: Burundi

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Youth Strategy for Disaster Reduction (YSDR)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 9 months, 42,830 USD

Primary Contact: Cyprian Ntahomvukiye bysrdr@yahoo.fr or ntacyp@usa.com
Tel: +257 931 013

Abstract: Through this project, young Burundians intend to contribute to the establishment of a structure for disaster reduction in Burundi. They aim at increasing the public’s risk awareness through the activities of the Youth Strategy for Disaster Reduction movement, and at convincing the authorities to implement a disaster reduction policy that follows up on proposals submitted by local communities. This is to be achieved through the development, updating and dissemination of risk maps and risk/vulnerability indicators, initially in the two provinces of Bujumbura and Gitega. In addition, people-centered early warning systems are to be developed, taking into account the demographic, gender, cultural and livelihood characteristics of target populations.

Enhacing Hydroclimate Monitoring, Early Warning and Applications for the Reduction of Climate Related Risks in the Greater Horn of Africa

Location: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 60 months, 4,070,000 USD

Primary Contact: Prof Laban Ogallo logallo@icpac.net
Tel: +254 20 3878340

Abstract: The Greater Horn of Africa region is prone to a wide range of climate-related natural hazards, including droughts, floods, dust storms, tropical cyclones, and locust invasions. These hazards have resulted in significant environmental, social and economic damage in the region, yet prediction and early warning tools remain limited. This project will enhance the capacity of the region to cope with climate-related risks by: developing a regional data base with long-term, high-quality information on natural hazards; improving the dissemination of timely early warning products; increasing the availability of sector-specific early warning information and tools; and, strengthening regional climate modeling, prediction and early warning.

Strengthening the Coping Mechanisms and Monitoring Capacities of the Killer Lake Nyos Degassing Featuers by the Local People Themselves: Continuities and Discontinuities

Location: Cameroon

Project Type: Geological Hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Global Centre for Compliance, Hazards and Disaster Management
(GLOCECOHADIM-CAMEROON)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 20 months, 28,000 USD

Primary Contact: Tomukum Chia degassinglakeyos@yahoo.com
Tel: +237 5122 231

Abstract: The spreading of carbon dioxide released by Lake Nyos in Cameroon killed some 1,700 people in August 1986. Emergency assistance was provided to the survivors, but adequate longer-term aid for rehabilitation and sustainable development did not materialize. The project calls for the strengthening of an early warning system and the implementation of a community-focused development programme at a time when Lake Nyos and another lake are now being successfully “degassed”. It foresees local capacity building through the training of community groups and experts in the monitoring of poisonous gas evaporation, in community management of natural resources. The project will also improve farm productivity through better agro-forestry practices, soil conservation and environmental protection.

Enhacing Marine Multi-hazard Early Warning System in West African Countries for Improved Marine Safety

Location: Cape Verde, Guinea, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Senegal

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Education & Public Awareness, Technical

Submitting Organizations: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 36 months, 1,340,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Edgard Cabrera ecabrera@wmo.int
Tel: +41 22 730 82 37

Abstract: A good part of the population of West African countries lives in coastal cities, with their economic activities in the coastal zones. A WMO survey in those countries revealed a lack of expertise in marine Meteorology in their national meteorological services, as well as an absence of an effective warning and disaster mitigation strategy. The
objective of this project is to enhance an operational marine multi-hazard early warning system. This would be achieved through the provision of new tools for the marine meteorological services, and the training of local, national and regional experts in five West African countries. This project would stimulate closer cooperation between the five national meteorological services.

Do We Know How to React to an Alert? Information and Sensitization of Populations in the Western Part of the Indian Ocean

Location: Comores, Kenya, Madagascar, Maurice, Réunion, Seychelles, Tanzanie.

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Education & Public Awareness, Community Participation

Submitting Organizations: Météo-France and Croix-Rouge Française

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 500,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Judith Bourgeois judith.bourgeois@croix-rouge.fr
Tel: +33 1 444 311 03

Abstract: The December 2004 tsunami has boosted international efforts to implement reliable high-performance alert systems. However, too often vulnerable populations are still unaware of the risks they are exposed to and unable to react appropriately. This project, as a complement to a bilateral programme and through a partnership between a scientific institution and a humanitarian organization, aims to improve the chain that links those who are the first to see disasters occur, and those who need the information. The objective of the project is to contribute to a better translation of alerts issued by technical agencies into effective response by affected communities. The expected result is that local populations will have proper means and skills to receive the alert, understand it and react appropriately.

Early Warning on Climate Related Natural Hazards to Save Lives, Properties and Livelihoods

Location: Gambia

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness, Governance

Submitting Organizations: Department of Water Resources

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 48 months, 1,000,000 USD

Primary Contact: Pa Ousman Jarju dwr@gamtel.gm or pajarju@yahoo.co.uk
Tel: +220 422 76 31

Abstract: Climate-based natural hazards pose a major threat to the lives and livelihoods of the population in Gambia.
These hazards are particularly challenging for the country, given that agriculture and natural resources sectors employ over 75 percent of the labour force, and account for approximately 40 percent of total export earnings. Despite this fact, Gambia lacks effective natural hazard early warning systems. This project aims to strengthen early warning
systems for the major socio-economic sectors of the country. Expected results include: availability of timely and reliable hydrological and meteorological bulletins, daily and seasonal forecasts, and natural hazard warnings. The project will also build human and institutional capacities to prepare effectively for climate-based natural hazards.

Early Warning and Flood Control Monitoring in the Eastern Mediterranean

Location: Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic and Jordan

Project Type: Flood, Evaluation & Implementation, Technical

Submitting Organizations: Remote Sensing Center-Lebanon; Center for Remote Sensing-Boston

University -USA; General Organization of Remote Sensing-Syria; and Jordan

University of Science and Technology-Jordan

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 24 months, 625,000 USD

Primary Contact: Dr Amin Shaban geoamin@cnrs.edu.lb
Tel: +961 4 409845/6

Abstract: Data collected over the past 120 years reveals a long-term decline in overall rainfall across the region but, recently, erratic and extremely high rainfall has caused severe flooding. A lack of watershed management and disregard for flood-prone areas in the spreading of human settlements resulted in annual losses of some USD 45 million. This project aims at establishing a flood hazard mapping system, providing risk magnitude indicators according to terrain characteristics and settlement density. This would be achieved through an analysis of past flood risk records and the mapping of flood-prone areas by using remote sensing. The mapping would help governments identify safe settlement areas, select mitigation practices and set up early warning and monitoring systems for each country and the region.

Early Warning Systems for Desert Locusts- A West Africa Pilot Project

Location: Mauritania and Senegal

Project Type: Desert Locust, Technical, Evaluation & Implementation, Governance

Submitting Organizations: National Meteorological Service, Republic of Senegal; National Meteorological Service, Islamic Republic of Mauritania; World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Institute of biometeorology, Florence, Italy

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 24 months, 1,000,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Dr M.V.K. Sivakumar msivakumar@wmo.int
Tel: +41 22 730 8380

Abstract: Desert locust plagues have been recognized as a major threat to agricultural production in Africa and West Asia for thousands of years. Meteorological information is available through the internet to assist in the monitoring and forecasting of locust outbreaks, and technological advances have been made since the last major locust plague in 1988/89. However, this information and these tools are not widely used at the national level. The aim of this project is to develop more effective and efficient tools and more reliable information for countries to use in monitoring and predicting locust development and migration, and to build the capacity of national governments to plan control operations. Target countries for the project are Mauritania and Senegal.

Implementing an Early Warning System Concerning the Floods in the Province of Ifrane

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Flood, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Directorate-General of the Local Communities / Province of Ifrane, Direction of National Meteorology

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 10 months, 700,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Province d'Ifrane sgifrane@menara.ma
Tel: +55 56 64 636221

Abstract: The province of Ifrane is one of Morocco’s most exposed regions to flooding, affecting nearly all of its communities. The objective of this project is to enable local officials to sensitise and alert the population to hazards, and to set up equipment and services for an early warning system. This will be achieved through the establishment of a hydro-meteorological monitoring system and a climatological data bank. In addition, flood alert systems will be set up, complemented by expertise capacity building and an information dissemination chain through the provincial telecommunications network.

Seismic and Satellite Networks of Warning of Tsunami of Seismic and Volcanic Origin on the Atlantic and Mediterranean Coast in Morocco

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Earthquake & Tsunami, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: The Faculty of Science of Rabat, Scientific Institute, National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST); and Royal Center of Space Teledetection (CRTS)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 24 months, 1,780,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Ait Brahim aitbrahi@fsr.ac.ma
Tel: +212 37 771957

Abstract: The faults in the Azores-Gibraltar Atlantic zone and the Western Mediterranean are a seismic risk for Morocco’s coastlines, as are the potential eruptions of volcano Cumbre Vieja on the Canary Island of Palma. Noting that Morocco is one of Africa’s countries most exposed to earthquake-triggered tsunamis, the project aims at establishing a satellite-assisted surveillance system linked to a wide telecommunications network, to be integrated into a regional early warning system for the benefit of the Mediterranean and African regions. It would process real-time information on earthquakes for tsunami early warning. It would also include a public awareness component to prepare the rapidly growing population in the coastal cities to respond effectively to early warnings.

Installation of an Early Warning System of Rising in the Ouzoude Center

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Storms & Flood, Technical, Education & Public Awareness
Submitting Organizations: Directorate-General of the Local Communities / Province of Azilal

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 160,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Province d'Azilal
Tel: +212 234 58072/8121

Abstract: River Oued Ouzoud flows through the town of Ouzoud. At the end of summer and the beginning of autumn torrential rain regularly produces flooding in the basin of the Oued Ouzoud. These floods pose a threat to infrastructure at the waterside of the river such as cafés, camping sites, and craft shops. They make streets unusable and have cost lives in the past. This project aims to establish an early warning system (EWS) which will consist of a rain measurement system and water-gauges along the Oued Ouzoud. The information collected will be connected to a regional and national information centre where it will be analyzed and communicated. The project includes setting up an evacuation organization with a minimum response time of one hour.

Establishement of an Early Warning System for Floods in the Toudgha for the Rural Community Tourist Site: Toudgha Eloulia- Ouarzazate

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Flood, Evaluation & Implementation, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Directorate-General of the Local Communities / Province of Ouarzazate

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 8 months 50,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Province de Ouarzazate sgouarzazate@menara.ma
Tel: +212 44 88 2218

Abstract: About 240,000 tourists visit Morocco’s Toudgha Gorge every year. Some 7,000 people live downstream, outside the narrow gorge that is regularly hit by flash floods. The project is to set up an integrated early warning system linked to an already operational real-time alert device at a hydroelectric power station located some 40 kilometres upstream. The activation of that warning system would make it possible to organize timely evacuations of visitors and inhabitants in the event of flash floods.

Disaster Observatory Linked to Major Emergencies and Sanitary Risk (Ref.121)

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Evaluation & Implementation, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Ministère de la Santé, Direction des Hôpitaux et des Soins ambulatoires, Division des Urgences et Secours

Timeframe & Funds Requested: Not provided, 38,060 EUR

Primary Contact: Dr Mohammed Hamouiyi mhamouiyi@sante.gov.ma
Tel: +212 37 20 81 68

Abstract: Morocco is vulnerable to a wide range of risks from natural and technological disasters, diseases and epidemics. The Ministry of Health has adopted a comprehensive strategy to reduce direct and indirect sanitary and medical risks from emergencies and ensure that the population’s medical needs are met quickly and efficiently in the event of a disaster. This project will contribute to the implementation of this strategy by: strengthening the disaster management knowledge base; improving understanding of disaster risks; improving sanitary measures in health facilities; and sensitizing a range of partners to the importance of information exchange. These activities will be undertaken in a pilot region, and then expanded to other areas.

Tsunami Early Warning System for Morocco
Location: Morocco
Project Type: Tsunami
Submitting Organizations: Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique
Timeframe & Funds Requested: 24 months, 685,000 EUR
Primary Contact: Nacer Jabour jabour@cnr.ac.ma
Tel: +212 37 778674

Abstract: Morocco is situated at the edge of the African tectonic plate. The friction with the European plate makes it particularly prone to earthquakes and tsunamis, when they occur off-shore. This project focuses on the detroit of Gibraltar, covering the Atlantic and Mediterranean sides and aims to modernize and expand the earthquake sensing network of Morocco in order to improve decision making for tsunami early warnings. This system proposes the replacement of out-dated analogue earthquake sensors with new digital sensors, in addition to the installation of new sensors. This should allow faster and more reliable communication and better data processing. This project is a complementary network to those existing in Spain and Portugal and an element of a pan Mediterranean Tsunami Early Warning System.

Flood Early Warning System Project

Location: Morocco

Project Type: Flood, Technical, Evaluation & Implementation

Submitting Organizations: The Moroccan Meteorological Authority

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 48 months, 819,273 EUR

Primary Contact: Nadia Maatouk ouldbba@marocmeteo.ma
Tel: +212 33 91 3699

Abstract: Floods have become increasingly frequent and severe in Morocco. Climate projections indicate that storms are likely to hit the north and the areas west of the mountain chains more forcefully and erratically, causing exceptional flooding and compromising sustainable development efforts. The objective of this project is to establish a national early warning system, following the implementation of a pilot phase, as the current system is not yet capable of generating accurate assessments, despite considerable investments in monitoring and weather forecast infrastructure.
The project is based on a model for forecasting rainfall and converting actual data gathered from a network of meteorological observation stations into flood estimates, which will allow for the preparation of community alerts.

Capacity Building in Mozambique:Using the Education Sector for Disaster Awareness Outreach

Location: Mozambique

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Education & Public Awareness, Community Participation

Submitting Organizations: InWEnt - Capacity Building International

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 10 months, 145,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Christina Kamlage Christina.Kamlage@inwent.org
Tel: +49 30 25482 112

Abstract: Capacity building at the institutional, organizational and individual level can systematically strengthen the elements of the early warning chain. This project aims at integrating disaster awareness and knowledge about early warning systems into teacher training and primary-level education. During the initial pilot phase, at least 100 teachers are to participate in disaster sensitisation courses, each of them subsequently passing on his/her knowledge to 100 students. As a result, 10,000 students would be equipped to convey their knowledge to their families and communities. A film, to be aired on television, is to be produced to enhance the outreach of the project in Mozambique and the Southern African region.

Establishment of a Seychelles Early Warning and Mitigation System Based on a Multi-hazard Approach

Location: Seychelles

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: National Meteorological Services/National Disaster Secretariat

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 2,640,000 USD

Primary Contact: Michel Vielle m.vielle@statehouse.gov.sc
Tel: +248 224028

Abstract: The tsunami tragedy and torrential rains in December 2004 highlighted the need for enhancing the safety of the population and minimizing threats to sustainable development in the Seychelles. Owing to enormous data gaps in the monitoring of oceanic and atmospheric parameters, alerts tended to be ill-timed. The aim of this project is the
establishment of an early warning system with a multi-hazard approach under the aegis of the National Meteorological Service. It will include the enhancement of observation networks, the acquisition of meteorological equipment and a comprehensive capacity-building programme. The project will cover data collection through to the provision of services and the issuance of alerts, and help raise the level of multi-hazard education and awareness.

South African National Seismograph Network to Act as an Array for an Early Warning System

Location: South Africa

Project Type: Seismic Hazards, Technical

Submitting Organizations: Council for Geoscience

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 1,453,000 ZAR

Primary Contact: Dr A Kijko kijko@geoscience.org.za
Tel: +27 12 8411201

Abstract: The infrastructure, communication and instrumentation at five existing stations of the South African National Seismograph Network need to be upgraded to assure a high level of timely data transfer. Through upgrading of the stations, this project will improve the operation of the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning System. The populations living along the coastlines and in the gold-mining areas would benefit from the improved network.

Capacity Building in Disaster Prevention and Preparedness

Location: Tanzania

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Community Participation, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Disaster Management Department (Prime Minister's Office)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: Not specified, 1,437,600 USD
Primary Contact: Director for Disaster Management
Tel: +255 22 211 7266

Abstract: Natural disasters such as drought, cyclones, floods, earthquakes and, most recently, the tsunami have seriously affected the implementation of Tanzania’s development plans. The project aims at increasing the awareness of the public and stakeholders and in enhancing their capacities in disaster prevention and preparedness. This is to be achieved through the development of public awareness programmes and tools. Specifically, it is intended to produce a television documentary and individual videos on the country’s five most common natural hazards, to prepare of hazard maps and sensitization tools, to conduct sensitization seminars for ward/village disaster management committees, and possibly to establish an emergency operation centre.

Enhancing Early Warning and Preparedness of Natural Hazards

Location: Tanzania

Project Type: Tsunami & other natural hazards, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Tanzania Meteorological Agency

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 36 months, 5,744,400 USD

Primary Contact: Director-General met@meteo.go.tz
Tel: +255 22 24607068

Abstract: Tanzania is situated along the western Indian Ocean coast and relies heavily on the agriculture, tourism and mining sectors. Natural hazards that have occurred in the region have had considerable negative economic impact on Tanzania’s development. The main objective of this project is to strengthen meteorological services in Tanzania and
establish a Tsunami Early Warning System. This will be achieved through the procurement of technical and meteorological equipment; training staff to operate the equipment and broader capacity building exercises; and maintenance of the equipment. Expected project outcomes include the improvement of the accuracy and reliability of meteorological warnings related to floods, tropical cyclones, drought and severe local storms; and economic sectors will be provided with improved meteorological services, information and products so as to plan their operations
appropriately.

Towards a Multi-Hazard Early Warning and Response System in West Africa: A Multi-Hazard Approach to Forecasting Adverse Health Impacts in Africa

Location: West Africa, Sahel and Niger

Project Type: Multi-hazard, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: World Meterological Organization (WMO)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 48 months, 2,000,000 EUR

Primary Contact: Dr David Rogers drogers@wmo.int
Tel: +41 33 730 80 71

Abstract: This project aims to contribute to the development of an effective multi-hazard early warning and response system, which will strengthen the ability of health institutions at all levels to address climate-related disease and health hazards in West Africa. The primary goal of the project is to achieve a 50% reduction in morbidity and mortality, particularly for women and children under the age of five. Project activities will include: building institutional capacity to
produce early warning information tailored to the health sector; enhancing the ability of the health sector to understand and respond to early warning messages; and improving the communication of warnings to field staff and vulnerable communities.

Flood Hazard Monitoring and Flood Risk Mapping for Save Catchment - Zimbabwe

Location: Zimbabwe

Project Type: Flood, Technical, Education & Public Awareness

Submitting Organizations: Zimbabwe-National Water Authority (ZINWA)

Timeframe & Funds Requested: 12 months, 105,000 USD

Primary Contact: Elisha Madamombe hycos@mweb.co.zw
Tel: +263 4 707054

Abstract: During the past ten years, Zimbabwe has experienced catastrophic floods that have caused extensive damage especially in the Save River basin. Subsequent assessments indicated that the country’s early warning system needed to be made more effective. For this purpose, the monitoring of hydrological events was to be strengthened to facilitate more accurate forecasting of floods. The objectives of this project are to design a flood forecast digital elevation model which is to identify flood hazards with the help of new precipitation gauging stations; assist in the preparation of flood risk maps for the Save area; and to upgrade technical expertise. The flood risk maps would also be used for the planning of settlements.