NEEDS AND REQUIREMENTS FOR METEOROLOGICAL AND CLIMATE INFORMATION IN SUPPORT TO HUMANITARIAN AGENCIES – CBS (DPFS/PWS) Task Team on the Provision of Operational Meteorological Assistance to Humanitarian Agencies July 2013 Jennifer Milton

Content Background Consultation process Summary of consultative results Summary of needs Observations and opportunities

Background Consultations : Working-level Brainstorming Session on ‘Meteorological Services for Improved Humanitarian Contingency Planning and Response’ – 17 April 2009 Meeting of the Task Team on ‘Meteorological Services for Improved Humanitarian Planning and Response’ – 31 August- 2 September 2010 : Development of mechanisms for provision of products and services to the humanitarian community at global, regional and national levels Implementation of a pilot for development of such capacities Participation in IASC SWG on the EWEA report process (26-28 September 2012)

Consultation process DateConsultation September 2012Participation in IASC SWG on the EWEA drafting process * 1 October 2012World Food Programme * 5 October 2012OCHA-GDACS (with JRC participation) * 8 October 2012UNOSAT/UNITAR 1 November 2012IFRC 9 November 2012EC DG ECHO 4 June 2013JRC – Ispra * 5 – 6 June 2013UNOSAT/UNITAR * 7 June 2013OCHA-GDACS *

Consultation Outcome GDACS EU-JRC UNOSAT Non WMO- meteorological providers EWEA WMO and affiliated network IASC External partners/clients/stakeholders Varied sources of meteorological providers GTSGTS WFP External partners/clients/stakeholders Frameworks, legislation, government policies,Disasters UNICEF FAO IFRC OCHA All others

Summary of consultative process Joint Research Center (JRC) UNOSAT-UNITAR Emergency Services Branch OCHA (GDACS) World Food Programme IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

Joint Research Centre Priority: Scientific development and support to impact and risk assessments of major natural disasters (of which earthquakes, storm surges, flooding). Disaster risk management priorities of EU. Activities in: - Emergency prevention, planning, preparedness and response - Operation and logistics planning Semi-operational Responsible for scientific and information support to GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals; Dissemination through RSS feeds for specific products

Joint Research Centre 1. Support to GDACS Semi-operational support team (meteorologists) contribute to and support GDACS display of information: 1.Systematic analysis: Assessment of meteorological, climate and hydrologic high impact events; 2.Compilation and interpretation of information is made available through GDACS; 3. Automatic display based on modelling of information and data (ie. storm surge); 4. Textual summaries; 5. production of specific maps; 6. use of media outputs as source of information; 7. ECHO briefings & daily flash: compilation of short term of alert events available through GDACS

Joint Research Centre 2. European Flood portal - Support research from JRC - European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) - Rapid response flood mapping – Dartmouth Flood Observatory - Early flood warning program in support to EU and national institutes (probabilistic forecasts)

Summary of consultative process Joint Research Center (JRC) UNOSAT-UNITAR Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) World Food Programme IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme Priority: to deliver satellite imagery analysis in support to humanitarian aid and response, human security and strategic territorial planning. RAPID MAPPING. Activities in: - Emergency response - Operation and logistics planning - Training and exercises Coordination of activities through the Emergency relief centre (MIC) and through UN (for out of EU). Trigger of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters on behalf of UN OCHA (lead agency in the field).

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 1.Rapid mapping activity: Rapid mapping requested through UN organisations (ex. OCHA) and NGOs; Use of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters when necessary. (approximately 2 weeks period); - focus on earthquakes damages, landslides, fires, tsunamis, cyclones; - flood analysis (online archive through geoportal): -case studies: flood dynamics;

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme Research cycle incorporates operational needs in requirements. Technical transfer is integral part of cycle. Satellite information integrated in mapping, for specific events/hazards. 1. HQ- 24/7 for emergencies only 2. Dissemination and sharing of information through the GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals; and RSS feeds

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme Satellite Data: MODIS Aqua Imagery Dates:14 September and 14 October Resolution:250m Source: NASA Rapid Response Road Data : Google Map Maker / OSM / ESRI Other Data: USGS, WHO, OCHA, NGA, Google Map Maker Analysis : UNITAR / UNOSAT Production: UNITAR / UNOSAT Analysis conducted with ArcGIS v10.1

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 2.Training and capacity building: Training and Capacity building; - Collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), ICPAC and Kenya Met office, UK Met, UK min of foreign affairs; Objectives: 1.Increase technical capacity 2.Raise awareness among decision makers: 3.Deployment of systems and visualisation of data

UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 2.Training and capacity building: On site training and in country Satellite based analysis focus operational training on how to use GIS for mapping, and rapid mapping training audience: academic, member states (capacity development), analysis of extreme events, analysis of work flow.

Summary of consultative process Joint Research Center (JRC) UNOSAT-UNITAR Emergency Services Branch OCHA -Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) World Food Programme IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Priority: to alert, coordinate and disseminate information related to major disasters through a common web portal in order to facilitate response to major disasters Activities in: - Emergency planning, preparedness and response - Operation and logistics planning - Training and exercises 24/7 through European Monitoring and operations center -Dissemination and sharing of information through the GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - GDACS Managed by Steering Committee of the European Commission Monitoring and Information Centre; Cooperation framework: UN, EC, stakeholders such as Disaster management, JRC, UNITAR/UNOSAT and Dartmouth Flood Observatory; Focus on earthquakes, cyclone, storm surges, flooding Automatic Notification procedures (Alerts) activated through the Virtual OOSC are based on specific benchmarks and thresholds: Automatic notification for earthquakes Breaking emergencies Events for which assistance is requested International media volume Validation and notification of catastrophic event sent within 2 hours

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - activities Tropical cyclones and wind: Alert levels are relative to a vulnerability assessment based on wind speed, population at risk and potential impacts; Levels are specific to a country and situation: Storm Surges Developed by JRC and ran after each advisory issued by regional TCC Wind speedPopulationVulnerabilityAlert Level 38 – 73 mph (TS)< 10MLow – Medium – HighGreen 38 – 73 mph (TS)> 10MHighOrange 74 – 110 mph (Cat 1-2)> 100K or > 10%Medium – HighOrange 74 – 110 mph (Cat 1-2)> 1MHighRed > 111 mph (Cat 3)> 100K or > 10%Medium – HighRed > 111 mph (Cat 3)> 1MLowOrange > 131 mph (Cat 4)> 1MLowRed

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - activities Extreme rainfall and floods: Alert levels and notifications (green, orange and red) are relative Expected Total accumulations (mm) Maximum Rain Rates (mm/h) Amounts < 200Rate< <Amounts<5007<Rate<33 Amounts >500Rate> 33

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – V OSOCC GDACS and Virtual OSOCC: one stop platform integrating: meteorological and modelling information (flooding, storm surges); population risks for planning and response by disaster management; VOOSC stakeholders include authoritative agencies of which transport, logistic planning organisations; Emergency Management Organisations; Interoperability of system: Breaking emergencies follow an information structure moderated at each level; Situational updates include links from related websites (including maps and text messages);

Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – V OSOCC Media monitoring facilitates response coordination; Weather forecast information used for operational purposes (- 2 days to event and operational support) obtained from SARWeather. Additional requirements for weather and or climate information have not been determined with Disaster Management and Disaster Response organisations. GDACS supports planning (2 weeks prior to event) to mobilisation decision to coordination activities;

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Adapted from from July 12, 2012 Tropical Cyclones: Chantal-Carribean(101.4km/h), Soulik -China, Japan(231.7km/h), Erick- Mexico(130.4km/h) Earthquakes: Indonesia (4.8M)

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - VOSOCC Adapted from from July 12, 2012 OpenOpenRain map with eTraP data. (Source: JRC) maximum height. (Source: JRC)

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Information obtained: Typhoon tracks and wind: Japan Meteorological Agency, Pacific Disaster Center and Joint Typhoon Warning centre; Storm surge information is obtained through JRC (Global Storm Surge Forecast and Inundation model). Data from other TCC are not integrated automatically within the GDACS system due to varied data format. Potential rainfall rates and accumulation is derived from satellite based information (microwave satellite sensors) provided by NOAA/NESDIS-eTrap (office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution). Runoff rates are calculated to evaluate potential flooding, landslides and flash floods. The Dartmouth data observatory contributes information in real time to the detection of floods and has established a listing of past flooding events.

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Additional activities: Training modules and simulations available through site; Supporting planning, coordination; Multi agency Table top exercises

Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – issues Issues: GTS access through JRC but, Authoritative warnings are not integrated within GDACS for countries at risk; Format of information is an issue Tropical cyclone information is received from only one WMO related TCC center (JMA)

Summary of consultative process Joint Research Center (JRC) UNOSAT-UNITAR Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) World Food Programme IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

World Food Programme Priority: Ensure continued production, availability and security of food in vulnerable or critical locations and situations Activities in Emergency planning and preparedness HQ- 24/7 for emergencies only Dissemination of information through subscription system, HEWSweb and IASC reporting

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Geographic Information Systems Services Purpose: Support operational and logistic planning Identification hazards, potential vulnerabilities Activities: Mapping of demographic, urban, environmental and politic information; Tracking man-made and natural hazards Multi-hazards risk analysis, remote sensing Early warning maps (as used in EWEA report) Simulation maps for training purposes Vulnerability, analysis and Mapping Focus on Africa and Asia

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Purpose: Monitor, analyse and inform about potential hazards (short term and seasonal. Activities: Early warning: Weather and environmental outlooks regarding potential hazards and impacts for key areas; Seasonal and Hazards Calendar (available through HEWS- Humanitarian Early Warning Service): Focus on crop growing cycle but also identifies major hydro meteorological events and seasonal cycles; Information for assessments obtained through various sources: ECMWF, TCC, TRMM, NOAA GFSF, Tsunami bulletins

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Seasonal Hazards calendar List of main extreme events and number of affected population Areas affected and potential damage to crops during natural disasters Natural disasters identified through GLIDE number

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Regional Bureau Sudan - OD_S SUDANJANFEBMARAPRMAYJUNJULAUGSEPOCTNOVDEC rainy seasondry spell (northeasterlies) rainy season flood risk drought events locust, grasshopper millet, sorghum, wheat millet, sorghumwheat wheat harvest millet and sorghum harvest lean season Climate/Terrain Climate: mostly arid desert. Central and southern Sudan have rainy seasons, the total lengths of which vary according to their latitude; annual rainfall averagesn from 10 inches (250 mm) in the north to 20–30 inches (500–750 mm) in southern parts. Terrain: mainly composed of vast plains and plateaus that are drained by the Nile River and its tributaries. LATEST FLOODS EVENTS with AFFECTED AREAS July Karthoum, Omdurman and Kassala - Nile and Gash rivers; north-eastern town of Kassala August Omdurman-Khartoum; Aweil East, South and Central Counties of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State-southwest; Capital Khartoum, North-Blue and White Nile rivers; main affected areas in the North, East and Centre-Northern, Red Sea, River Nile, Khartoum, Kassala, Gezira, Northern Kordofan, Gedaref, White Nile, Blue Nile and Sinnar States; El Fasher and Khartoum; since late July - excessive rainfall in the Eritrean highlands, alongside localised rains, caused the Gash river to burst its banks late last month. Thirteen people have been killed and 56 injured, while thousands of houses have been destroyed along with Kassala town's only hospital. Kassala declared a disaster zone; Western Kordofan, White Nile, Gazira, Khartoum states; Blue Nile River has burst its banks and overflowed in Eastern and partially Northern Sudan, particularly the states of Khartoum, Northern, River Nile, Gezira, Blue Nile, Upper Nile and Sinnar, the last one being the worst affected September Heavy rainstorms in Port Sudan with Several administrative units (Central, Eastern, Southern Administrative Units, Arbaat and Suakin) bad damaged; River Nile State, Kassala, North Kordofan, Karthoum, North Dongola; since August, 18 of 26 States affected, mainly Khartoum, River Nile, Northern Nile, White Nile and Kassala and about 1,000,000 people LATEST DROUGHT EVENTS with AFFECTED AREAS Darfur, Kordofan, Mer-Rouge, Bahr-el-Ghazal provinces; about 2 million people affetcted in North Darfur, North Korfofan states among others - Juba and its surrounding areas, East Equatoria, Jonglei since beginning of year and until September; mainly in Darfur and Kordofan and 160,000 people affected Alessandra Piccolo/Marion Cézard, WFP,

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Alessandra Piccolo/Marion Cézard, WFP,

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Food Security Analysis Service Purpose: Assess status of food availability and distribution to vulnerable populations. Activities: Monitors agricultural resources and productivity (commercial and household); Supports response operations, policy development, planning and fund raising; Information through GIS, satellite mapping and Personal Digital Assistants for field information

WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Humanitarian Air Operations Activities Purpose: Aerial transport of WFP and other UN agencies and NGO staff and resources supporting interventions Activities: UN Humanitarian Air service (UNHAS) Aviation Safety Unit Information used: Charts based on ECMWF model outputs

World Food Programme – Meteorological and climate guidance Currently using: ECMWF, NOAA, JTWC, CIMMS, TRMM. Partner with Dartmouth Observatory and ITHACA research Center WFP is looking into open source information; REQUESTED Access to model output Access to historical climate data requested; Potential need for agricultural related indicators (growth);

Summary of consultative process Joint Research Center (JRC) UNOSAT-UNITAR Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) World Food Programme IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report Purpose: Provide anticipatory evaluation of potential of high risks, high probability or high impact situations requiring the involvement of humanitarian agencies. in particular with respect to the management and delivery of food and other supplies; their potential development during the period subject to the report (6 months). Participation and drafting process involving IASC members; Recommendations with respect to readiness for contingencies and strategies issued based on assessment.

IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report Warning of the potential of high risk, high probability and high impact events requiring HA involvement Assessment of (i) the occurrence and intensity of potential hazards, whether natural, conflict based, political or economic, (ii) the risks associated with these hazards and, (iii) the impacts of these hazards that could meet or surpass a humanitarian assistance determined threshold.* Potential triggers and impacts - indicators Refinement and adjustment of process Bi-annual

IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report

Early Warning Early Action Report Recommendations regarding WMO participation Identifying a process for involvement and knowledge transfer (WMO) Phase 1 - Preparation: Identification of potential global and regional scale hazards prior to drafting EW Report: - participation early in process - understanding previous ‘hot spots’ and exacerbating meteorological or hydrological factors - communication processes (user groups, RCOFs, global seasonal updates, and others) - updates in HA concerns Phase 2 - Drafting and validation process - multiple communications – availability of support - weather vigilance – high risk conflicts - considerations for linkages with country/national level support Phase 3 - Verification process (occurrence of natural hazards) and capacity building

Summary of needs Need for integrated and coordinated approach and access to meteorological/climate information; Information made available should have adequate metadata on use, limits; Information (data, warnings) should be readily available, formatted to be ingested in commonly used systems (georeferenced); seamless and Outreach between parties would enable the development of useful products and services; Access to training of meteorological/hydrological concepts indicated; Consultation process/Interpretation in hydro-meteorological high impact situations * Specific needs to be within summary report

Observations and Opportunities Opportunity to participate in Multidisciplinary approach in planning, preparedness and response with Humanitarian Agencies would help to identify and fine tune required support; Increasing linkages between HAs and global, regional and NMHSs; WMO participation in annual GDACS meeting/outreach and simulation exercises; Evaluate opportunities of GDACS as potential linkage between NMHS and disaster management and response organisations;

Thank you! Jennifer Milton