Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems: Target G
The report “Global Status of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) – Target G” has been released.
- It is a joint report of the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction and the World Meteorological Organization. This report assesses the current global status of MHEWS in terms of Target – G of the Sendai Framework.
- Target – G is one of Sendai’s seven targets. The Sendai Framework is a global strategy for disaster risk reduction and prevention.
- Target-G aims to ensure availability and access to MHEWS by At the same time, disaster risk information and assessment is to be enhanced. Early Warning System (EWS) minimizes the loss of life and money before other imminent hazards including hurricanes, tsunamis etc.
Four components of EWS:
- Knowledge about risk;
- Technical monitoring and warning service;
- Communication and dissemination of warnings and
- The ability of the community to take necessary steps.
Key Findings of report-
- There has been an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events/disasters due to man-made climate change and unpredictable weather events.
- Half of the countries of the world do not have the protection of MHEWS.
- World’s 3.6 billion people live in areas that are at high risk of climate change and associated disasters.
Suggestions for achieving Target-G-
- There is a need for investment in all the components of Early Warning System (EWS) (especially disaster information). This will help in better planning and capacity building.
- There is a need to invest in enhanced data and ensure better access to technology. This will help in better monitoring and faster communication etc.
Initiatives taken in India-
- The Geological Survey of India has developed a prototype of the Regional Landslide Early-Warning System (LEWS).
- Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has established Storm Surge EWS and Indian Tsunami Early – Warning Center (ITEWC).
- Defense Geo-informatics Research Establishment (DGRE) provides advance warning of avalanches.
Global Initiatives-
- The ‘Global Basic Observing Network (GBON)’ has been established for the generation and exchange of basic data related to weather and climate.
- Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) have been established for people living in Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing Countries (SIDS).
- To enhance mutual cooperation, ‘Risk-Informed Early Action Partnership (REAP)’ has been launched.
Source – The Hindu
