WMO Strengthens Global Cooperation to Protect All Lives from Flash Floods
The Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) has been instrumental in saving lives and reducing losses from flash flooding in 72 countries, benefitting over 3 billion people.

https://ane4bf-datap1.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wmocms/s3fs-public/ckeditor/files/Picture2.jpg.png?.1HgQihdMFgvooQX35qSqXGQqz0uDiqU The FFGS played a crucial role recently during Cyclone Freddy, which hit Malawi hard from March 11 to 15, 2023. Using the FFGS, the Department of Climate Change was able to alert the public about the heavy rains and potential flood risks. From March 11, they started issuing these warnings daily, and later, even twice a day. The important updates were shared with the public through newspapers, radio, TV, emails, and WhatsApp groups.

However, flash floods continue to significantly threaten lives, livelihoods, and property, especially with the added challenges of climate change and unplanned development in flood-prone areas. To tackle this global issue, concerted actions are required at the global, regional, and national levels to enhance existing systems and extend coverage to more countries, aligning with the Early Warnings for All initiative to ensure that early warning systems protect everyone on Earth within the next five years.

The Second Global Workshop on the Flash Flood Guidance System took place in Skopje, North Macedonia, from 19th to 23rd June 2023 and saw active participation from 203 representatives representing 64 countries. The successful organization of this event was made possible through the support of the host nation and various organizations, notably the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the National Meteorological and Hydrological Service of North Macedonia. The workshop aimed to foster greater collaboration among hydrometeorological forecasters and disaster managers, facilitating meaningful discussions and initiatives in the field of flash flood preparedness and response.

https://ane4bf-datap1.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wmocms/s3fs-public/ckeditor/files/Picture3_4.jpg?c3pI3EsnZl7_GdzjW08HkADJVu1BJe7Y "Flash floods are not limited to our country alone. Our neighboring countries, as well as the entire Balkan and southeastern Europe, are also grappling with the same situation, which underscores the need for regional and global cooperation," stated Mr. Ljupcho Nikolovski, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Economy of North Macedonia. He voiced his full support for the endeavors of the Hydrometeorological Service of the Republic of North Macedonia, emphasizing the importance of bolstering their capabilities in hydrometeorological observations and forecasting systems.

We are here to collaborate and enhance early warning systems, minimizing suffering, loss of lives, property, and environmental damage caused by flash floods. The FFGS plays a crucial role in the complete warning system cycle," stated Dr. Johan Stander, Director of the Services Department at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), during the opening session of the WMO Second Flash Flood Guidance System Global Workshop. He emphasized that providing a mere 24-hour notice of an impending hazardous event could lead to a significant 30 percent reduction in overall damage.

https://ane4bf-datap1.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/wmocms/s3fs-public/ckeditor/files/Picture6_0.jpg?Up0LFzG9TcKrWHOfF52A2zsOp0UPo6Ua Dr. Sezin Tokar, Lead Senior Hydrometeorological Hazards and Disaster Risk Reduction Advisor at USAID/BHA, stated that participants in the First FFGS Global Workshop recognized that the implementation of FFGS has resulted in a substantial reduction in the loss of life and property, especially considering the challenges posed by a growing global population, expanding urban areas, encroachment into flood-prone regions[...]

by communities, and the increasing frequency and intensity of flash floods due to climate change.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development/Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA), U.S. National Weather Service/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (US. NWS/NOAA), the Hydrologic Research Center (HRC) has developed and implemented the Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS), globally.. The implementation of the system on a global scale is primarily funded by USAID/BHA, with additional support from other funding mechanisms like the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS), Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and World Bank (WB).

The Skopje Statement urges the decision-makers and stakeholders to recognize the valuable benefits derived from the FFGS and to take action to strengthen the resilience of the countries by supporting the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in its implementation. This Statement also details the main findings of the workshop and outlines recommendations for implementing FFGS in the future, including empowering women in the decision-making process, which is critical for inclusive and sustainable outcomes. More information on the Second FFGS Global Workshop landing page.
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Monday, August 7, 2023 - 15:45

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WMO to join new UN Scientific Advisory Board
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced on 3 August the creation of a new Scientific Advisory Board to advise UN leaders on breakthroughs in science and technology and how to harness the benefits of these advances and mitigate potential risks.

“Scientific and technological progress can support efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals – but they are also giving rise to ethical, legal and political concerns that require multilateral solutions.” Mr. Guterres said.

“My Scientific Advisory Board will strengthen the role of the United Nations as a reliable source of data and evidence, and provide advice to me and my senior management team.”

The Advisory Board will comprise seven eminent scholars alongside the Chief Scientists of UN System entities, the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology, and the Rector of the United Nations University. The Board will be associated with a network of diverse scientific institutions from across the world.

Chief scientists of several UN organizations are nominated to take part in this Scientific Advisory board. Prof. Juerg Luterbacher, Director of WMO Science and Innovation Department, is representing the World Meteorological Organization. Seven external academic experts from universities around the world are also joining this board, together with the rector of United Nations University, and the Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology.

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“Building a Scientific Advisory Board is a necessary step to build even more trust in the scientific community at times of uncertainty and link it to the crucial work of the UN Agencies, on climate change issues of course, but also more generally on science-related activities”, commented Prof. Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of WMO. “Our organization is proud to contribute to such an effort and is looking forward to contributing with all its expertise and that of its 193 Members”, he added.

“The Secretary-General's decision to establish a Scientific Advisory Board underscores the unwavering dedication of UN leaders to the principles of the scientific method. I look forward to supporting the UN Secretary-General in raising the voice for science-based policy and decision-making,” expressed Professor Yoshua Bengio, Scientific Director of Mila - Quebec AI Institute and Professor at the Université de Montréal.

The primary objective of the Board is to provide independent insights on trends at the intersection of science, technology, ethics, governance, and sustainable development. Through their collaborative efforts, the Board and its Network will support UN leaders in anticipating, adapting to, and leveraging the latest scientific advancements in their work for people, planet, and prosperity.

"Science-based policy as well as decision-making are key for progress and sustainable development in our rapidly evolving world and to leave none behind” said Prof. Juerg Luterbacher, Chief Scientist of WMO. “I am deeply honoured to be part of the UN's Scientific Advisory Board and work with colleagues towards this".

“By ensuring that UN policies and programs are founded on the best available scientific evidence and expertise, the Board will play a crucial role in navigating the complex moral, social, and political dilemmas presented by rapid scientific and technological progress.”, said Ms. Ismahane Elouafi, Chief Scientist at the Food and Agriculture Organization.

With the formation of the Scientific Advisory Board, the United Nations takes a momentous stride towards better bridging science and policy. This initiative marks a vital step towards embracing the full potential of science and technology for the collective benefit of all Member[...]