A hydrometer gap report has concluded that Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are experiencing devastating impacts from increasing extreme weather, water and climate-related events.
The report, released by the Alliance for Hydromet Development, of which the African Development Bank Group is a member, presents an analysis based on Country Hydromet Diagnostics (CHD) in 20 countries.
The report, which presents an account of measured size and speed of events, sheds light on the weakest links in the hydrometeorological value chain which require urgent attention from governments and development partners.
Researchers from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) observed that there are severe resource shortages, which significantly
hinder least developed countries in their operational capacity.
It concluded, among some urgent action needed, that the coordination and support from both government and development partners, is essential. This will allow the promotion and the promulgation of appropriate legislation to build governance mechanisms for hydrometeorological services.
The report identified ICT capacity development systems and skills, as necessary for data management and quality control.
As a way forward, the Alliance for Hydromet Development, has outlined a set of priority actions in four areas falling within its mandate
and related to its long-term commitments, as outlined in its founding declaration. The proposed actions build on the competitive advantages of the Alliance members and are
designed to offer viable solutions to closing the capacity gaps identified. In the medium term, the Alliance’s objective remains unchanged: to increase the effectiveness and sustainability
of hydrometeorological investments by 2030.
Picture: Google map of an underwater earthquake that hit South Africa, in the early hours of this morning.
Its magnitude was 6,7, Marlien Loubser Horn.