United Nations Radio

The World Meteorological Organization, WMO, says it will require at least 15 million dollars over the next 3 years to rebuild and strengthen Haiti's meteorological services, which were extensively damaged and rendered unusable by last month's earthquake. Patrick Maigua reports from Geneva.

Flooded zone in Haiti

According to WMO the restoration of Haiti's meteorological services was a priority in view of the up coming rain and hurricane season. At present, aviation and humanitarian operations are relying on reports and forecasts provided by countries in the region.

WMO Secretary General Michel Jarraud, says some of the Haitians leaving the capital Port au Prince to re-establish their lives in other areas were settling in regions prone to flooding, a situation which calls for timely weather information and warning systems. Mr Jarraud says the initial cost for the restoration of basic meteorological services over the next one-year will be included in the revised UN flash appeal for Haiti to be launched later this month.

"The strengthening of the met service in preparation of the hurricane season has been recognized as one of the top priorities. Our action will be in two time scales. The first time scale absolute urgency to be ready to provide information for the next hurricane season and that's in the order of one million dollars. But there will be a longer term approach to build a much more solid capacity for the national met service including for example radar capacity including rebuilding the headquarters, because right now they operate from a tent at the airport."

WMO says over 90 per cent of disasters in Haiti, are linked to frequently occurring climate-related hazards such as tropical cyclones, flash floods, and landslides whose impact has been exacerbated by massive deforestation and environmental changes. Patrick Maigua, UN Radio, Geneva.