MECHANISM OF PRODUCTION

AND DISSEMINATION OF WARNINGS

(Case of Meteo - Rwanda) By

Marcellin HABIMANA

We are Rwanda’s national weather and climate service.

Rwanda Meteorological Agency(Meteo Rwanda) is entrusted with the task of provision and regulation of weather and climate services for sustainable socio – economic development and operations of various sectors for the protection of life and property.

We are Rwanda’s national weather and climate service.

Meteo Rwanda prepares forecasts basedon observations and products from global centre's, including ECMWF,UKMO, GFS (NOAA),etc available at Regional Specialized Meteorological Centre Nairobi (http://www.meteo.go.ke/rsmc/index.php).

Severe weather events that affect Rwanda are : droughts, floods, landslides, strong winds, frost, hail storm and lightening.

Floods

Landslide and Mudslides

Strong winds

Strong winds

• Weather Forecast and warnings are disseminated through the Rwanda Television, National radios, Newspapers, e-mail and Website. Rwanda Meteorological Agency issues 24 hours,3 days, 10 days, monthly (30 days) and Seasonal (90 days) forecasts.

Meteo Rwanda also provides specialized services on request to other sectors of the economy including:aviation, health, infrastructures, agricultures, water resources, energy, tourism, Disaster Management, etc.

Early Warning System (EWS)

To combat frequent natural disasters attributed to weather and climate, ranging from floods, droughts and severe thunderstorms, an integrated early warning systems is being implemented by Rwanda Meteorological Agency (RMA) in partnership with Rwanda Environment Management Agency (REMA);

Activities which are in this project includes purchase of 24 AWS, a Cluster machine for NWP and training, workshops with stakeholders,….

Gap to address :

- Having a functional and operational website before March 2013- Put in place a user feedback mechanism- Implement RANET- The Meteorological information and products not used effectively.- Use mobile services for fishermen of Lake Kivu- Establishment of integrated Early Warning System in collaboration with REMA (LDCF)- Climate change adaptation;

Thanks