The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) in collaboration with the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) is holding a five-day Sectoral and Sub-National Workshop aimed at developing and validating forecasting and early action products to strengthen Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management in Leribe.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders, technical experts and district sector representatives.
Officiating at the workshop, Public Relations Officer in the District Administrator’s Office in Leribe, Mr. Rasebilo Maqelepo, said the workshop was important in addressing the effects of climate change.
He said the development of an action plan would help communities prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change when necessary.
Speaking at the same event, DMA Director of Emergencies and Response, Mr. Rets’elisitsoe Molefe, stressed the importance of timely planning and mitigation measures.
“Response is more expensive and not timely,” he said.
Explaining the objectives of the workshop, LMS Head of Research and Innovation Development and Action First Lesotho Core Lead, Mr. Moahloli Ntele, said participants would jointly develop and validate Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) products and strengthen operational thresholds.
He said participants were expected to contribute scientific and forecasting expertise, disaster risk management experience, sectoral knowledge, as well as district and community perspectives.
LMS Weather Forecaster, Mr. Rethabile Mphahama, said the main hazards experienced in Lesotho included heavy rainfall, flash floods, river flooding, drought, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds and frost.
He said key functions included coordination with districts and local authorities, disaster preparedness and response, as well as contingency planning.
Mr. Mphahama explained that LMS communicates warnings based on forecast thresholds, expected intensity and duration of hazards.
He said LMS communicates forecasts and warnings to relevant government and emergency response units through radio, television, social media, websites, as well as district and community structures.
Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]
