Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Enabling early and effective action to Tropical Cyclones
Organizer: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)
|2020 marks the 40th Anniversary of WMO’s Tropical Cyclone Programme, which has coordinated national and regional multi-hazard early warning system efforts to reduce the loss of life and damage caused by tropical cyclones. The hazards associated with tropical cyclones include flooding, extreme winds, tornadoes, and lightening. These violent storms and have been associated with 1,942 disasters over the past 50 years, which have killed 779,324 people and caused 1,407.6 billion in economic losses.|
Recent trends in the nature and intensity of these storms emphasize the need for improved impact-based multi-hazard early warning systems and effective collaboration with development, government, and private sector stakeholders to ensure those at risk are prepared to take quick action to save lives and better protect livelihoods. This is critical as the latest climate model projections indicate an increase in the intensities of the strongest cyclones.
This session will outline recent trends in tropical cyclones and highlight recent work, innovation, and next steps in advancing impact-based multi-hazard early warning systems. Representatives from Fiji and the Philippines National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, disaster reduction and civil protection agencies will highlight good practice and lessons learnt through joint collaboration to ensure the best possible science and optimal services enhance decision-making and improve outcomes.
Cyrille Honore, Chief, Disaster Risk Reduction and Public Services Branch
Raul Salazar, Chief of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Secretariat for the Americas based in Panama
Rodney Martinez, WMO Rep. for North & Central America & the Caribbean
John Tibbetts, DG Cayman Island National Weather Service
Allan Rarai, Acting Director, Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-Hazards Department
Mussa Mustafa, Deputy Director General, National Institute of Meteorology