Elmi says early weather warning way to go

By Winsley Masese

A minister has called for accurate early warning system as a tool to reverse the negative effects of climate change in the Horn of Africa.

Northern Kenya and other Arid Lands Development Minister Mohamed Elmi argued that if integrated with effective disaster risk reduction policies, this would reduce losses from disasters.

"Weather and climate information prediction and early warning systems for disaster preparedness should be disseminated so that communities and governments can make informed decisions and sound mitigation plans," he said.

The Wajir MP further said: "Developing countries, especially those in Africa, are the most vulnerable and to reverse the trend there is need for accurate early warning of impending weather or climate hazards."

Mr Elmi also said adverse weather and climate-related disasters remain a hurdle to the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals.

Experts deployed

"Our region is likely to be threatened by drought. Thus, timely information about areas that will be affected by drought or floods and their impacts will be needed," he said.

The minister was speaking at a workshop during the 26th climate outlook forum at a Kisumu hotel.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, Meteorological Services Director Joseph Mukabana said they had deployed meteorologists to the provincial and district levels.

"They will provide proper information for people to use," he said.

He said they used a different channel to relay information in the past, but the approach did not augur well with the community that needed it.

"We also have a form of radio communication that can warn people living in disaster areas on what is going on," said Mukabana.