The South African Weather Service (SAWS) and engineering consultancy Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa have partnered to enhance how weather and climate data is used to respond to severe weather in South Africa. This first-of-its-kind project aims to improve communities’ ability to prepare for and address events like floods, droughts, and heat waves. By enhancing the disaster management process, it is hoped that this will make communities more resilient to natural hazards and disasters.
While weather warning systems are currently in place, messages about severe weather typically often have an inadequate reach, and the public is generally poorly informed about the events that might affect them. Through this project, the SAWS will be able to utilise Royal HaskoningDHV’s digital tools to help it disseminate early warnings to communities on the ground.
“This unique public-private partnership is about prioritising the health, safety and well-being of South African citizens, particularly our vulnerable communities,” says SAWS Chief Executive Officer, Mr Ishaam Abader. “We also want to monitor and analyse severe weather patterns and optimise how we use our infrastructure. As far as possible, our intention is to ensure that everyone is properly prepared to anticipate and address natural hazards so that we can mitigate their impacts.”
The partnership aims to connect the SAWS’ meteorological experts and forecasters with Royal HaskoningDHV’s climate resilience team to uncover ways to develop well-informed weather and climate adaptation solutions.
For accurate decision-making at any stage of an impending weather or climate disaster, a considerable amount of data and information is necessary.
“We’re optimistic about the potential of this partnership” says Royal HaskoningDHV South Africa CEO Anke Mastenbroek. “Having the right data and climate resilience knowledge is one thing; combining this with the right digital tools to ensure that the right messages reach communities on the ground and decision makers, at the right time, is a game-changer.”
The process is officially underway with the SAWS, and several use-cases have been jointly identified where the end users remain excited about the value which this partnership brings.