WB supports Moldova in managing disaster and climate risk

Source(s): World Bank, the

Press Release No:2011/055/ECA

Washington -
The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved a financing credit to the Republic of Moldova in the amount of US$ 10 million for the Disaster and Climate Risk Management Project. The main objective of the project is to strengthen the State Hydrometeorological Service’s ability to forecast severe weather and improve Moldova’s capacity to prepare for and respond to natural disasters.

The project aims to reduce Moldova’s susceptibility to natural disasters, particularly in agriculture and related sectors and diminish the country’s economic vulnerability to droughts, floods and other natural shocks.

“The project is a clear expression of an efficient co-operation between the Republic of Moldova and the World Bank – an honest and committed partner of our country”, said Victor Bodiu, Minister of State.

“The drought of 2007, the floods of 2008 and 2010 have reaffirmed the imperative need for action in diminishing the impact of natural disasters on Moldova's people and economy”, said Melanie Marlett, World Bank Country Manager for Moldova. “We are pleased that the Government has made this issue a priority. We hope that the US$ 10 million approved today will help equip the country to better prepare for and respond to natural disasters, for example through better weather forecasting.”

The objectives of the Disaster and Climate Risk Management Project are the following:

1) Strengthen severe weather forecasting through:


- developing early warning capabilities to provide timely, accurate and geographically precise weather hazard warnings;
- use of dual polarization Doppler radar technology for localized forecasts to predict floods, high winds, hail and other severe weather; and
- development of plans for seasonal/climate forecasts to improve medium to long-term forecasting;

2) Improve disaster preparedness and emergency response through:

- design and establishment of an Emergency Command Center to manage emergencies and coordinate disaster response among government agencies; and
- capacity building for the Department of Exceptional Situations by providing training in emergency management information system;

3) Initiate adaptation to climate risks in agriculture through:


- development of Just-in-Time communication platform to rapidly disseminate critical local weather information to farmers and rural communities; and
- provision of adverse weather adaptation advisory services to improve agricultural sector resilience to adverse weather.

Contacts:
In Chisinau: Victor Neagu, +373 (22) 200706, vneagu@worldbank.org
In Washington: Elena Karaban (1-202) 473-9277, ekaraban@worldbank.org

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