Burkina Faso and Togo embarked on a learning exchange to enhance flood forecasting and early warning systems, gaining insights from meteorological agencies in Sweden and Italy. The delegation highlighted key practices in waste management, stakeholder communication, and the integration of technology in forecast systems. This initiative aims to develop standard operating procedures and strengthen legal frameworks for effective flood risk management in both countries.
In a strategic initiative to bolster flood forecasting and disaster risk management, hydrological and meteorological services from Burkina Faso and Togo have engaged in an extensive knowledge-exchange program. This collaboration focuses on the operational aspects of flood warning systems. A delegation of 19 experts from both nations traveled to Sweden and Italy, from October 16 to 23, 2024, to glean insights from advanced practices in flood management.
The learning journey commenced in Norrkoping, Sweden, where the delegation observed the operations of the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI). They learned about the production and dissemination of meteorological forecasts and flood alerts. In Malmo, local authorities showcased their adaptation strategies for floods, emphasizing waste management to mitigate urban flooding risks caused by debris clogging drainage systems.
The second phase of the exchange took place in Italy, visiting Rome and Genoa. The Italian Civil Protection Agency provided valuable insights into hydrometeorological monitoring and communication protocols among stakeholders in flood warning systems. In Genoa, participants explored the operations of a regional flood forecasting center, focusing on local data utilization. The discussions with the CIMA Foundation in Savona reinforced the necessity of integrating scientific research and technology to enhance monitoring and early warning tools, advocating for a well-defined legal framework to guide flood risk management.
This learning exchange has motivated institutions in Burkina Faso and Togo to fortify their own flood warning systems and disaster risk reduction measures. Moving forward, both nations plan to develop standard operating procedures for their national flood warning systems incorporating the lessons acquired during their international visits. This initiative received substantial support from SMHI, AGRHYMET, and CIMA, who are dedicated to enhancing the flood forecasting capabilities of Burkina Faso and Togo.
Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) facilitated this activity as part of its technical assistance under the Hydromet project in Burkina Faso and the CREWS project in Togo, engaging various national institutions from both countries, including Burkina Faso’s ANAM, DGRE, and DGPC, as well as Togo’s ANAMET and DRE.
Flood forecasting and early warning systems are critical tools in mitigating the impact of natural disasters, particularly floods that can devastate communities. In West African countries like Burkina Faso and Togo, enhancing these systems is essential for effective disaster risk management. The collaboration between the two nations, involving international knowledge exchange, aims to leverage best practices from advanced meteorological agencies, ensuring that they can better predict and respond to potential flooding events. This initiative is supported by various organizations dedicated to improving hydrometeorological services in the region.
In summary, the collaborative learning exchange between Burkina Faso and Togo has provided valuable insights into advanced flood forecasting and disaster risk management practices. The knowledge gained from institutions in Sweden and Italy is expected to significantly improve both countries’ capacity to respond to flooding. By developing standard operating procedures and establishing a robust legal framework, these nations are taking crucial steps toward enhancing their flood warning systems and overall resilience to hydrometeorological hazards.
Original Source: wmo.int
