Needs and Requirements for meteorological and climate information in support to humanitarian agencies –

1. Needs and Requirements for meteorological and climate information in support to humanitarian agencies – CBS (DPFS/PWS) Task Team on the Provision of Operational Meteorological Assistance to Humanitarian Agencies July 2013 Jennifer Milton

2. Content • Background • Consultation process 2012-2013 • Summary of consultative results • Summary of needs • Observations and opportunities

3. Background • Consultations 2009-2012: • Working-level Brainstorming Session on ‘Meteorological Services for Improved Humanitarian Contingency Planning and Response’ – 17 April 2009 • Meeting of the Task Team on ‘Meteorological Services for Improved Humanitarian Planning and Response’ – 31 August- 2 September 2010 : • Development of mechanisms for provision of products and services to the humanitarian community at global, regional and national levels • Implementation of a pilot for development of such capacities • Participation in IASC SWG on the EWEA report process (26-28 September 2012)

4. Consultation process 2012-2013

5. Consultation Outcome Varied sources of meteorological providers Non WMO-meteorological providers Frameworks, legislation, government policies,Disasters IASC EU-JRC WFP UNICEF FAO GDACS IFRC OCHA UNOSAT All others GTS EWEA WMO and affiliated network External partners/clients/stakeholders External partners/clients/stakeholders

6. Summary of consultative process • Joint Research Center (JRC) • UNOSAT-UNITAR • Emergency Services Branch OCHA (GDACS) • World Food Programme • IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

7. Joint Research Centre Priority: Scientific development and support to impact and risk assessments of major natural disasters (of which earthquakes, storm surges, flooding). Disaster risk management priorities of EU. Activities in: - Emergency prevention, planning, preparedness and response • Operation and logistics planning Semi-operational Responsible for scientific and information support to GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals; Dissemination through RSS feeds for specific products

8. Joint Research Centre 1. Support to GDACS Semi-operational support team (meteorologists) contribute to and support GDACS display of information: 1.Systematic analysis: Assessment of meteorological, climate and hydrologic high impact events; 2.Compilation and interpretation of information is made available through GDACS; 3. Automatic display based on modelling of information and data (ie. storm surge); 4. Textual summaries; 5. production of specific maps; 6. use of media outputs as source of information; 7. ECHO briefings & daily flash: compilation of short term of alert events available through GDACS

9. Joint Research Centre 2. European Flood portal - Support research from JRC - European Flood Awareness System (EFAS) - Rapid response flood mapping – Dartmouth Flood Observatory - Early flood warning program in support to EU and national institutes (probabilistic forecasts)

10. Summary of consultative process • Joint Research Center (JRC) • UNOSAT-UNITAR • Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) • World Food Programme • IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

11. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme Priority: to deliver satellite imagery analysis in support to humanitarian aid and response, human security and strategic territorial planning. RAPID MAPPING. Activities in: - Emergency response • Operation and logistics planning • Training and exercises • Coordination of activities through the Emergency relief centre (MIC) and through UN (for out of EU). • Trigger of the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters on behalf of UN OCHA (lead agency in the field).

12. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 1.Rapid mapping activity: • Rapid mapping requested through UN organisations (ex. OCHA) and NGOs; • Use of the International Charter Space and Major Disasters when necessary. (approximately 2 weeks period); - focus on earthquakes damages, landslides, fires, tsunamis, cyclones; - flood analysis (online archive through geoportal): -case studies: flood dynamics;

13. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme • Research cycle incorporates operational needs in requirements. Technical transfer is integral part of cycle. Satellite information integrated in mapping, for specific events/hazards. 1. HQ- 24/7 for emergencies only 2. Dissemination and sharing of information through the GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals; email and RSS feeds

14. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme Satellite Data: MODIS AquaImagery Dates:14 September and 14 OctoberResolution:250mSource: NASA Rapid ResponseRoad Data : Google Map Maker / OSM / ESRIOther Data: USGS, WHO, OCHA, NGA, Google Map MakerAnalysis : UNITAR / UNOSATProduction: UNITAR / UNOSATAnalysis conducted with ArcGIS v10.1 http://www.unitar.org/unosat/node/44/1688

15. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 2.Training and capacity building: • Training and Capacity building; • Collaboration with the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), ICPAC and Kenya Met office, UK Met, UK min of foreign affairs; • Objectives: 1.Increase technical capacity 2.Raise awareness among decision makers: 3.Deployment of systems and visualisation of data

16. UNOSAT – UNITAR Operational Satellite Applications Programme 2.Training and capacity building: • On site training and in country • Satellite based analysis focus • operational training on how to use GIS for mapping, and rapid mapping training • audience: academic, member states (capacity development), • analysis of extreme events, • analysis of work flow.

17. Summary of consultative process • Joint Research Center (JRC) • UNOSAT-UNITAR • Emergency Services Branch OCHA -Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) • World Food Programme • IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

18. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Priority: to alert, coordinate and disseminate information related to major disasters through a common web portal in order to facilitate response to major disasters Activities in: - Emergency planning, preparedness and response • Operation and logistics planning • Training and exercises 24/7 through European Monitoring and operations center -Dissemination and sharing of information through the GDACS and Virtual On-Site Operations Coordination Centre portals

19. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - GDACS • Managed by Steering Committee of the European Commission Monitoring and Information Centre; • Cooperation framework: UN, EC, stakeholders such as Disaster management, JRC, UNITAR/UNOSAT and Dartmouth Flood Observatory; • Focus on earthquakes, cyclone, storm surges, flooding • Automatic Notification procedures (Alerts) activated through the Virtual OOSC are based on specific benchmarks and thresholds: • Automatic notification for earthquakes • Breaking emergencies • Events for which assistance is requested • International media volume • Validation and notification of catastrophic event sent within 2 hours

20. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - activities • Tropical cyclones and wind: • Alert levels are relative to a vulnerability assessment based on wind speed, population at risk and potential impacts; • Levels are specific to a country and situation: • Storm Surges • Developed by JRC and ran after each advisory issued by regional TCC

21. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - activities • Extreme rainfall and floods: • Alert levels and notifications (green, orange and red) are relative

22. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – V OSOCC • GDACS and Virtual OSOCC: one stop platform integrating: • meteorological and modelling information (flooding, storm surges); • population risks for planning and response by disaster management; • VOOSC stakeholders include authoritative agencies of which transport, logistic planning organisations; Emergency Management Organisations; • Interoperability of system: Breaking emergencies follow an information structure moderated at each level; • Situational updates include links from related websites (including maps and text messages);

23. Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – V OSOCC • Media monitoring facilitates response coordination; • Weather forecast information used for operational purposes (- 2 days to event and operational support) obtained from SARWeather. • Additional requirements for weather and or climate information have not been determined with Disaster Management and Disaster Response organisations. • GDACS supports planning (2 weeks prior to event) to mobilisation decision to coordination activities;

24. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Tropical Cyclones: Chantal-Carribean(101.4km/h), Soulik -China, Japan(231.7km/h), Erick- Mexico(130.4km/h) Earthquakes: Indonesia (4.8M) Adapted from http://www.gdacs.org/ July 12, 2012

25. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services - VOSOCC OpenRain map with eTraP data. (Source: JRC) maximum height. (Source: JRC) Adapted from http://www.gdacs.org/ July 12, 2012

26. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services • Information obtained: • Typhoon tracks and wind: Japan Meteorological Agency, Pacific Disaster Center and Joint Typhoon Warning centre; • Storm surge information is obtained through JRC (Global Storm Surge Forecast and Inundation model). Data from other TCC are not integrated automatically within the GDACS system due to varied data format. • Potential rainfall rates and accumulation is derived from satellite based information (microwave satellite sensors) provided by NOAA/NESDIS-eTrap(office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution). • Runoff rates are calculated to evaluate potential flooding, landslides and flash floods. • The Dartmouth data observatory contributes information in real time to the detection of floods and has established a listing of past flooding events.

27. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services Additional activities: • Training modules and simulations available through site; • Supporting planning, coordination; • Multi agency Table top exercises

28. Emergency Services OCHA/Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services – issues Issues: • GTS access through JRC but, • Authoritative warnings are not integrated within GDACS for countries at risk;  • Format of information is an issue • Tropical cyclone information is received from only one WMO related TCC center (JMA)

29. Summary of consultative process • Joint Research Center (JRC) • UNOSAT-UNITAR • Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) • World Food Programme • IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

30. World Food Programme Priority: Ensure continued production, availability and security of food in vulnerable or critical locations and situations Activities in Emergency planning and preparedness HQ- 24/7 for emergencies only Dissemination of information through subscription system, HEWSweb and IASC reporting

31. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Geographic Information Systems Services • Purpose: • Support operational and logistic planning • Identification hazards, potential vulnerabilities • Activities: • Mapping of demographic, urban, environmental and politic information; • Tracking man-made and natural hazards • Multi-hazards risk analysis, remote sensing • Early warning maps (as used in EWEA report) • Simulation maps for training purposes • Vulnerability, analysis and Mapping • Focus on Africa and Asia

32. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support • Purpose: • Monitor, analyse and inform about potential hazards (short term and seasonal. • Activities: • Early warning: Weather and environmental outlooks regarding potential hazards and impacts for key areas; • Seasonal and Hazards Calendar (available through HEWS- Humanitarian Early Warning Service): Focus on crop growing cycle but also identifies major hydro meteorological events and seasonal cycles; • Information for assessments obtained through various sources: ECMWF, TCC, TRMM, NOAA GFSF, Tsunami bulletins

33. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Seasonal Hazards calendar • List of main extreme events and number of affected population • Areas affected and potential damage to crops during natural disasters • Natural disasters identified through GLIDE number http://www.hewsweb.org/hazcal/

34. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Alessandra Piccolo/Marion Cézard, WFP, 28092012

35. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Early Warning, Analysis and Crisis support Alessandra Piccolo/Marion Cézard, WFP, 28092012

36. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Food Security Analysis Service • Purpose: • Assess status of food availability and distribution to vulnerable populations. • Activities: • Monitors agricultural resources and productivity (commercial and household); • Supports response operations, policy development, planning and fund raising; • Information through GIS, satellite mapping and Personal Digital Assistants for field information

37. WFP Emergency Preparedness and Response Branch: Humanitarian Air Operations Activities • Purpose: • Aerial transport of WFP and other UN agencies and NGO staff and resources supporting interventions • Activities: • UN Humanitarian Air service (UNHAS) • Aviation Safety Unit • Information used: Charts based on ECMWF model outputs

38. World Food Programme – Meteorological and climate guidance • Currently using: ECMWF, NOAA, JTWC, CIMMS, TRMM. • Partner with Dartmouth Observatory and ITHACA research Center • WFP is looking into open source information; • REQUESTED • Access to model output • Access to historical climate data requested; • Potential need for agricultural related indicators (growth);

39. Summary of consultative process • Joint Research Center (JRC) • UNOSAT-UNITAR • Emergency Services Branch OCHA - Global Disaster Alert and Coordination Services(GDACS) • World Food Programme • IASC Early Warning Early Action Process

40. IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report Purpose: Provide anticipatory evaluation of potential of high risks, high probability or high impact situations requiring the involvement of humanitarian agencies. • in particular with respect to the management and delivery of food and other supplies; • their potential development during the period subject to the report (6 months). • Participation and drafting process involving IASC members; • Recommendations with respect to readiness for contingencies and strategies issued based on assessment.

41. IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report • Warning of the potential of high risk, high probability and high impact events requiring HA involvement • Assessment of (i) the occurrence and intensity of potential hazards, whether natural, conflict based, political or economic, (ii) the risks associated with these hazards and, (iii) the impacts of these hazards that could meet or surpass a humanitarian assistance determined threshold.* • Potential triggers and impacts - indicators • Refinement and adjustment of process • Bi-annual

42. IASC SWG Early Warning Early Action Report

43. Early Warning Early Action Report Recommendations regarding WMO participation Identifying a process for involvement and knowledge transfer (WMO) Phase 1 - Preparation: Identification of potential global and regional scale hazards prior to drafting EW Report: - participation early in process - understanding previous ‘hot spots’ and exacerbating meteorological or hydrological factors - communication processes (user groups, RCOFs, global seasonal updates, and others) - updates in HA concerns Phase 2 - Drafting and validation process - multiple communications – availability of support - weather vigilance – high risk conflicts - considerations for linkages with country/national level support Phase 3- Verification process (occurrence of natural hazards) and capacity building

44. Summary of needs • Need for integrated and coordinated approach and access to meteorological/climate information; • Information made available should have adequate metadata on use, limits; • Information (data, warnings) should be readily available, formatted to be ingested in commonly used systems (georeferenced); seamless and • Outreach between parties would enable the development of useful products and services; • Access to training of meteorological/hydrological concepts indicated; • Consultation process/Interpretation in hydro-meteorological high impact situations * Specific needs to be within summary report

45. Observations and Opportunities • Opportunity to participate in Multidisciplinary approach in planning, preparedness and response with Humanitarian Agencies would help to identify and fine tune required support; • Increasing linkages between HAs and global, regional and NMHSs; • WMO participation in annual GDACS meeting/outreach and simulation exercises; • Evaluate opportunities of GDACS as potential linkage between NMHS and disaster management and response organisations;

46. Thank you! Jennifer Milton Jennifer.milton@ec.gc.ca +1 514 421 4610