Burkina Faso and Togo engaged in a learning exchange with hydrometeorological experts from Sweden and Italy to enhance flood forecasting and disaster risk management. A delegation visited key institutions in both countries, gaining insights into operational flood warning systems, solid waste management to prevent urban flooding, and establishing a robust national framework for flood preparedness and response.
In an initiative aimed at bolstering flood forecasting and disaster risk management, hydrological and meteorological services from Burkina Faso and Togo have collaborated on a learning exchange program. A delegation of 19 specialists traveled to Sweden and Italy between October 16 and 23, 2024, to study operational flood warning systems. Their journey began in Norrkoping, Sweden, where they learned from the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) about their methods for disseminating meteorological and flood forecasts. The team continued to Malmo, where local leaders showcased adaptation strategies against flooding; a significant takeaway was the necessity of effective solid waste management to diminish urban flood risks.
The second segment of the exchange took place in Italy, starting in Rome, where representatives from Civil Protection shared protocols for monitoring hydrometeorological hazards and optimizing communication among stakeholders related to flood warning systems. The delegation’s visit to Genoa included a learning session at a regional Civil Protection Center, focusing on local data use for hydrometeorological monitoring. In Savona, discussions with the CIMA Foundation emphasized the integration of scientific technology to enhance interoperable tools for monitoring and early action. A central conclusion emphasized establishing a definitive national legal framework for flood risk management and early warning systems, underscoring the roles and inter-institutional coordination needed at all governance levels.
The insights gained from this exchange have inspired Burkina Faso and Togo to fortify their flood warning mechanisms and preliminary disaster management strategies. Moving forward, these nations intend to outline standard operating procedures specifically for their national flood warning systems, leveraging the knowledge acquired from their Swedish and Italian counterparts.
This initiative received technical support from the SMHI, AGRHYMET, and CIMA, who are jointly dedicated to advancing the flood forecasting capabilities of Burkina Faso and Togo. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) facilitated this activity in the framework of its technical assistance under the Hydromet and CREWS Togo projects. Key institutions involved included Burkina Faso’s Agence Nationale de la Météorologie (ANAM), Direction Generale des Resources en Eau (DGRE), Direction Generale de la Protection Civile (DGPC), and Togo’s Agence Nationale de la Meteorologie (ANAMET) among others.
Flood forecasting and early warning systems are increasingly crucial tools for disaster risk management, especially in regions vulnerable to climatic disruptions. Effective forecasting can save lives and reduce economic losses when floods occur. This article outlines an exchange program between Burkina Faso and Togo, showcasing their commitment to improving these services through collaborative knowledge-sharing with experts from Sweden and Italy. The exchange aimed to enhance local capacity in managing hydrometeorological risks effectively.
The knowledge-sharing mission between Burkina Faso and Togo aimed at enhancing flood forecasting and management systems serves as a pivotal step toward disaster resilience. By absorbing best practices from Sweden and Italy, the delegation was able to identify the importance of collaboration, proper waste management, and the establishment of cohesive operational frameworks. The impending development of standard operating procedures for national flood warning systems reflects a proactive approach to mitigating flood risks in both countries, ultimately aiming to safeguard communities and enhance their overall disaster preparedness.
Original Source: wmo.int
