The World Meteorological Organization is supporting a new national project to strengthen Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems in Djibouti.
More than 30 representatives from the National Meteorological Agency, the Center of Studies and Research of Djibouti, and the Executive Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management and other national public institutions met in Djibouti on 30 September to launch the four-year, US$3.6 million Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems Initiative (CREWS) Djibouti project.
The project is jointly implemented by WMO and the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). It will strengthen the capacity of national Djiboutian authorities to produce, deliver and disseminate Multi-Hazard Early Warnings, and preparedness, early action and response efforts to hazardous hydrometeorological events impacting the country.
During his keynote address, the Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, Hassan Houmed Ibrahim stated, "The government of Djibouti is committed to the implementation of the CREWS Djibouti project. This project is an investment in our prosperity and national security."
Djibouti is considered highly vulnerable to climate change, with 33 percent of its population living in high hazard risk zones. The country is expected to experience adverse impacts from increased temperatures and aridity, reduced precipitation resulting in longer periods of drought and a more frequent occurrence of intense rainfall leading to a heightened risk of floods and flash floods.
The launch event provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review and discuss the project structure and work plan, to ensure a bottom-up approach is being taken. The project steering committee, which will govern the implementation of the project over the coming four years, was also developed.
