Burkina Faso and Togo learning exchange on flood forecasting and early warning systems
Specialists from Burkina Faso and Togo participated in a knowledge-sharing mission to Sweden and Italy to learn about operational procedures for flood forecasting and early warning systems. The delegation gained insights into the importance of establishing operational protocols and frameworks for early action and disaster management, the need to improve flood forecasting performance by integrating local data, and the importance of a flood management approach.
In a dedicated effort to enhance forecasting services, Early Warnings For All, and disaster risk management, hydrological and meteorological services and disaster management institutions from Burkina Faso and Togo have been working together, including on exchanges of knowledge and experience on operational flood warning systems and services.
As part of these efforts, a delegation of 19 specialists from the two countries embarked on a knowledge-sharing mission to Sweden and Italy from 16 to 23 October 2024. The first stop of the learning journey was in Norrkoping, Sweden, from 16 to 19 October. Here, the delegation had the opportunity to learn how the Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) produces and disseminates meteorological and flood forecasts. The group also visited Malmo, where local leaders illustrated their adaptation and resilience measures implemented in response to floods. One of the key conclusions of the Malmo visit was the need to manage solid waste to prevent urban flooding, as waste deposits in canals exacerbate the risk of overflow and the impacts of flooding on the population.
The second part of this knowledge-sharing took place in Italy from 20 to 23 October. In Rome, the Civil Protection welcomed the delegation and shared practices for monitoring hydrometeorological hazards and highlighting operational processes for communication between the different stakeholders involved in flood warning systems. In Genoa, the delegation visited a regional Civil Protection Center to learn about its flood forecasting center, with a focus on the use of local data for hydrometeorological monitoring and forecasting systems. Finally, in Savona, the CIMA Foundation (CIMA) discussed the need to integrate science and technology in the creation of interoperable tools to support monitoring, forecasting and early action. The delegation identified one main key takeaway from Italy: the importance of establishing a robust national legal and operational framework for warning, preparedness, and response to guide flood risk management and early warning systems. It is crucial that this flood risks framework hasclearly defined roles and responsibilities at the national, regional and communal levels. In addition, inter-institutional communication and coordination were seen as essential.
This exchange of practices has inspired institutions in Burkina Faso and Togo to strengthen their own flood warning systems and disaster risk reduction framework. As the next step, Burkina Faso and Togo will develop standard operating procedures for their national flood warning systems, applying the lessons learned from Sweden and Italy.
This learning exchange was technically supported by SMHI, AGRHYMET, and CIMA, who are committed and jointly working to support Burkina Faso and Togo in improving flood forecasting for warning capabilities.
WMO coordinated this activity as part of the WMO technical assistance to Burkina Faso for the Hydromet project, and CREWS Togo project. The mission involved the following national institutions:
- Burkina Faso: Agence Nationale de la Météorologie (ANAM), Direction Generale des Resources en Eau (DGRE), Direction Generale de la Protection Civile (DGPC), Conseil National de Secours d'Urgence et de Réhabilitation (CONASUR), and Ministère de l'Administration Territoriale et de la mobilité (MATM).
- Togo: Agence Nationale de la Meteorologie (ANAMET), Direction des Ressources en Eau (DRE), Agence National de la Protection Civile (ANPC).
