Report on the assessment of early warning systems in the Maldives
This document reports on a disaster risk management (DRM) programme developed in response to the UN Flash Appeal for the Maldives, including the development of Early Warning Systems (EWS), preparedness planning, disaster management policy development, emergency response capacity enhancement, safe area development, vulnerability assessment and other projects for dealing with the risk of natural hazards. It is closely synergized with the National Plans for Environment Management (NEAP) and climate change adaptation. It builds on lessons learned form the 2004 tsunami disaster and advocates for activities to be initiated to build and strengthen DRM systems in the country.
It aims to: (i) take stock of existing capacities of relevant departments and agencies involved in early warnings in the Maldives, including not only the agencies responsible for forecasts and warnings (meteorology and hydrology) but also intermediaries (radio, TV print media and other communication channels) and end users of early warnings; (ii) identify gaps in the current early warning systems, including areas where capacities need to be enhanced, such as the scientific and technical mechanisms, coordination and management of information systems, policy-making procedures and effective information dissemination capabilities; and (iii) recommend a set of actions and corresponding resource requirements that need to be undertaken to enhance the effectiveness of early warning systems in the Maldives.