We addressed the needs of Sierra Leonean agencies by supporting them in developing high-impact weather and flood forecasting and warning systems.
Sierra Leone is highly exposed and vulnerable to the impact of floods, windstorms, landslides, droughts and coastal erosion. Fundamental to the management of the risks associated with these disasters is the strengthening of emergency preparedness and response systems. This is something that can be strongly underpinned by data and information through the operation of hydrological and meteorological (hyrdomet) observation and early warning systems.
We assembled a team of international experts in national hydromet service modernisation, capacity building and early warning system development. We worked in close partnership with three national agencies – responsible for Meteorology, Water Resources and Disaster Management – to understand their capacities and needs.
Through training and co-development of procedures within the agencies, we have helped lay foundations for real-time management of hydromet risks across the country. In Freetown, the capital, the highest risk is flash flooding, which was a focal area for this assignment.
There have been multiple benefits from this assignment. We supported the development of a cross-agency advisory group, termed the ‘Flood Risk Task Force’, made up of each of the three Sierra Leonean agencies. This group will provide advice on real-time flood risk to support emergency response actions.
Through training and other interventions, the capacity of each of the three agencies has been increased. A significantly enhanced Daily Weather Forecast product is now being produced by the national meteorological agency. A flood forecasting system has been developed and trialled and new procedures have been produced to support decision-making ahead of and during flood events.
To find out more about our work in Sierra Leone, contact our team.
Contact our team to learn more about this project.
