Morobe establishes new weather-monitoring system

A WEATHER-monitoring system has been set up in Morobe to help the National Weather Service and provincial disaster centre forecast and monitor floods.
The project, funded by the UN Development Programme and the Asian Development Bank, will collect data on rainfall to identify potential flood threats.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research scientist Shaun Williams said the early warning system installed was to monitor the distribution of water condition in the Bumbu River, and to inform the weather forecast office of possible flooding.
“The monitoring system has been installed at selected locations upstream,” he said.
He said five weather equipment had been installed in Lae to collect rainfall data.
“After the trial in Lae, the NIWA will make recommendations for adjustments before the system can be installed in other provinces. This system will strengthen PNG’s early warning of floods and improve the country’s disaster preparedness in the terms of climate-related disasters.”
UNDP Climate Change adviser Edward Vrkic said they would continue to support government initiatives to ensure that people were better prepared to respond to natural disasters.
“With the setup of this early warning system, we can be assured that people are given enough time to save themselves and others in the event of major floods along the Bumbu River,” Vrkic said.
“We look forward to working with our partners to install similar systems around the country.”
Morobe disaster coordinator Charley Masange said the provincial government acknowledged the support of partners in the project.