Chantale Bijoux Meteorological Officer
Introduction The Seychelles s National Meteorological Services plays a vital role in providing weather and climate information including severe weather changes, therefore dissemination of these information is very important to help everybody plan ahead and in reducing the risk of disaster
Forecast Production Forecasts and warnings are produced using RSMC guidance, NWP models, Satellite image, Synergie (PUMA project), soundings and surface observations. A certain level of re-packaging and interpretation is done to add value to the product and to incorporate the local effects which is usually not picked up by these models.
Criteria for flood warning Period Rainfall Intensity Information released Up to 30 mm Advisory Hourly 30 to 50 mm Advisory 50 to 100 mm Warning Level 1 100 mm Warning Level 2 3 hours Consecutive Rainfall Up to 80 mm Advisory 80 to 130 mm Advisory 130 to 150 mm Warning Level 1 150 mm Warning Level 2 Up to 75 mm Advisory 24 hours 75 to 200 mm Advisory 200 to 245 mm Warning Level 1 245 mm Warning Level 2 Additional information required: Tide, sea level, soil moisture, vegetation, topography and drainage network
Criteria for strong wind warning Max wind speed Information issued Up to 40kts (80km/h) Advisory 40 to 60kts (80 to 120km/hr Advisory 60 to 90kts (120 to 180km/hr Warning Level 1 90kts ( 180km/hr Warning Level 2 Additional information required: Frequency and direction
Seychelles Multi-Hazard Early Warning System The awareness level is yellow when the weather is potentially dangerous. The weather phenomena that have been forecasted are not unusual, but be attentive if you intend to perform activities that may expose you to meteorological risks. Listen and Be Aware The orange awareness level means that the weather is dangerous. Unusual meteorological phenomena have been forecasted. Damage and casualties are likely to happen. Be on the Alert. Take extra precautions. Follow advice given by higher authorities. The red awareness level means that the weather is very dangerous. Exceptionally intense meteorological phenomena have been forecasted. Major damage and accidents are likely, in many cases with threat to life over a wide area. Take extra precautions. Evacuation likely.
Dissemination Methods Television Radio(AM and FM) Newspaper Website Fax E-Mail SMS Satellite phones Social media?(facebook, twitter,etc)
Service Delivery Government National Meteorological Services Director General DRDM Early warning centre (Forecast Office) Emergency Division Ministry of Community Development Head of Early Warning Centre Director Police, Fire Service, Hospital,etc Red Cross, other NGO s District Administrators Director General Climate Affairs, Adaptation and Information Director General DRDM Media
Challenges To disseminate these information in a timely and accurate manner To make it comprehensive to everybody (language, style, scientific jargons,etc.) To gain the confidence of the end users- how reliable is the information? Education is the key- need for awareness campaigns
Relationship with the Media The Meteorological act (2000) states clearly that the NMS should be used as the official source of information The relationship with the Media is quite good for the radio but for the television it needs to revamped, but NMS is always ready to give an interview whenever the need arises. Sometimes it is difficult to control the Media not to take information from other sources but we are doing our best to improve our relationship and improve our services. The website has been developed but it still needs improving to make it more attractive.
Relationship with Disaster Management In general the DRDM is well structured from national to district level and there is good coordination amongst the different stakeholders. Since the NMS and DRDM is within the same ministry the flow of information is quite fast and effective. This is done on national level and filters down to the district level via the ministry of Community Development.
Feedback It is important to have feedback from users to be able to evaluate the effectiveness of the warning, how it is used and if it meeting the needs of the users. Feedbacks are mostly done by surveys ( the last one done was in 2012) Normally post-mortems are done with all stake holders after severe weather has occurred.
SENSITIZATION PROGRAMME Talks in schools Educational visits to Met. Office Participate in different fairs Video clips Use printed media by contributing different articles Newsletter Brochures Work closely with private sectors,ngo s,etc
SENSITIZATION CONT Encourage public to participate as volunteer observers Work with our customers on customize service delivery. Evaluate user needs (survey done in 2012)
Educational campaigns
Way forward Capacity building for our staff Strengthening our communication network with our different partners. Improve our observation network Improve our warning system. Have more educational forums Make use of social media