East and Southern African weather experts meet in Arusha to strengthen early warning systems

BY DIRAMAKINI

WEATHER and climate experts from countries across East and Southern Africa have convened in Arusha for a regional meeting aimed at strengthening early warning systems to reduce the impacts of weather-related disasters and climate change across the region.

The meeting has brought together experts from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UK Met Office, and development partners to discuss strategies for improving weather forecasting, enhancing early warning services, and strengthening regional cooperation in climate and disaster risk management.

Speaking during the opening session, the Director General of the Tanzania Meteorological Authority (TMA), Dr. Ladislaus Chang'a, said robust early warning systems are essential for saving lives, protecting property, and minimizing the economic losses associated with extreme weather events.

He noted that climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of weather-related hazards, making it more important than ever for countries to invest in modern forecasting technologies and strengthen their preparedness and response mechanisms.

"Effective early warning systems are critical tools for disaster risk reduction. They enable governments, communities, and emergency responders to take timely action before disasters occur, thereby reducing their human and economic impacts," Dr. Chang'a said.

He added that enhanced regional collaboration would improve weather forecasting capabilities through the sharing of data, scientific expertise, and best practices, ultimately enabling participating countries to provide more accurate and timely weather information to the public.

For her part, the Regional Director for Africa at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Dr. Agnes Kijazi, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in advancing meteorological and climate services.

She observed that weather- and climate-related disasters do not recognize national borders, making coordinated action among countries essential to protecting lives, livelihoods, and economies.

"Climate-related hazards transcend borders. Strengthening partnerships and information-sharing among countries is vital to ensuring that communities receive timely and reliable early warnings that enable them to prepare for and respond effectively to extreme weather events," Dr. Kijazi said.

The regional meeting is expected to explore ways of expanding the use of advanced forecasting technologies, improving the technical capacity of National Meteorological Services, and enhancing the delivery of early warning information to vulnerable communities.

Participants will also discuss strategies for improving preparedness against floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and other climate-related disasters, while identifying opportunities to strengthen resilience through science-based weather and climate services.

The forum is further expected to develop joint regional strategies aimed at improving disaster preparedness, strengthening climate resilience, and supporting sustainable development through enhanced meteorological services and integrated early warning systems.

The Arusha meeting underscores the growing commitment of East and Southern African countries to harness science, technology, and regional collaboration in addressing the increasing challenges posed by climate change and extreme weather, while safeguarding lives, livelihoods, and economic development across the region.