Helping met and hydrological services add humanitarian value: Climate Centre updates the manual
By the Climate Centre
The timely use of weather and climate information by the Red Cross Red Crescent and other humanitarian agencies enhances its value and helps National Meteorological and Hydrological and Services (NMHS) see how their work guides decision-making, according to an updated brief published today by the Climate Centre.
National Societies “can help ensure that the communication of forecasts is simplified, context-specific and delivered in the right language at the right time.
“The strong community focus of your work can help raise public awareness of weather forecasts, alerts and early warning systems, bridging national and community-level efforts,” the new guide – a 2.0 update of a 2019 edition – recommends to disaster managers.
National Societies can also help NMHS identify the best channels for reaching vulnerable groups and assist in translating advisories into local languages.
Meteorological services are generally responsible for weather and climate forecasts, including hazards such as cyclones and heatwaves, while hydrological services – not necessarily within the same agency – monitor and manage water once the precipitation has fallen, such as lakes, rivers and groundwater.
Collaboration brings concrete benefits
NMHS are the custodians of a wealth of information and tools that are critical for effective early warning, anticipatory action and adaptation; National Societies can field expertise on the operability of NMHS products and provide information about vulnerability and exposure.
Key areas of engagement include early warning and anticipatory action, emergencies, contingency planning, preparedness and response, risk analysis, research, capacity building and policy.
Collaboration brings concrete benefits, including feedback on forecasts, including impact-based forecasting, and the greater NMHS reach in remote areas that’s enabled by involving Red Cross Red Crescent community volunteers, as well as global connections.
Should the initial collaboration between the NMHS and the National Society evolve into a more long-term relationship, it may be necessary to enter into a formal written agreement, according to Collaborating with National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, which goes on to list items for consideration in such a document.
“We would strongly encourage you to reach out to colleagues in other National Societies to learn from them and reflect together,” the guide concludes. “The IFRC and the Climate Centre can help you make these connections and we look forward to hearing about your journey.”
A Climate Centre adviser helps members of a fishing community in Kupang City in the Indonesia province of Nusa Tenggara Timur interpret a maritime weather forecast. A new guide from the Climate Centre says National Societies can act as a bridge between communities and National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, expanding mutual understanding. (File photo: PfR Indonesia)