The IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre (ICPAC) has unveiled a groundbreaking collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to implement the pioneering project titled "Strengthening Early Warning Systems for Anticipatory Actions." This initiative, forged through a partnership among leading weather and climate research institutions, a university, and a humanitarian organization, aims to harness the power of machine learning to bolster early warning information systems.
The generous support from WFP will extend to benefit the Kenya Meteorological Department and the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, amplifying efforts to enhance national and sub-national forecasts. By improving the quality of early warning information disseminated to communities residing in disaster-prone regions, the project seeks to enable proactive responses to critical alerts, thereby mitigating potential devastation.
Amid escalating risks posed by climate change-induced natural hazards, the importance of timely and accurate early warning systems cannot be overstated. Supported by backing from Google.org, this innovative project aims to address this urgent need by leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative methodologies.
Through the application of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics, the project holds promise in significantly refining the accuracy and timeliness of disaster alerts, empowering communities to take preemptive measures to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
Dr. Guleid Artan, Director of ICPAC, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the fusion of expertise in weather forecasting, disaster risk reduction, and technological advancements. "With esteemed partners such as Google, the University of Oxford, the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute, the Kenya Meteorological Department, and the World Food Programme, the project aims to revolutionize early warning systems in the IGAD region, enabling communities to prepare and act preemptively against impending hazards," stated Dr Artan.
The project's initial phase will focus on pilot implementations in Ethiopia and Kenya, with insights guiding the expansion of initiatives throughout the region. Ultimately, the overarching objective is to ensure that vulnerable communities across the IGAD region have access to life-saving early warning information, empowering them to undertake timely actions in the face of imminent disasters.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photo/Google
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