Practice in Motion!

SOLOMON ISLANDS METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE(SIMS) COUNTRY REPORT

Linda Tonawane Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) Email: [email protected] http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion! SIMS STRUCTURE

MINISTRY

Climate Environment Disaster Change Management

Engineering & , Quality Assurance & Observations Forecasting Information Research& Technology Climate Service Management System

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion! OUR REGION

Marine Regions Flight Information Region(FIR)

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion! OUR SERVICES

• SIMS provides the following essential:

‹ Daily and extended weather and marine forecasts for the general public and Mariners.

‹ Tropical Cyclone, Heavy Rain and Tsunami warnings.

‹ Climate Data Analysis for Socio-Economic Developments

‹ Seasonal (Three Monthly) Forecast on Rainfall and Temperatures.

‹ Aeronautical Forecast and Weather Information for Aviation(TAF, ARFOR, SIGMET, AREA QNH, )

‹ 24/7 weather observations around the country

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion! OUR USERS

‹ General Public ‹ National Disaster Management Office (NDMO) & other Emergency Managers (NGO) ‹ Search and Rescue - Solomon Islands Maritime Authority ‹ Shipping Companies / Mariners ‹ Fishing Industry ( Sol tuna Company) ‹ Aviation and Airline companies ‹ Roads and Infrastructure Industries ‹ Tourism sectors ‹ Mining Companies ‹ RSIPF- Police ‹ Health Centers ‹ Farmers ‹ Schools and Local communities ‹ Other Government Ministries and Agencies ‹ Media

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion!

Methods used to engage Users • Conduct Workshops with users • Awareness (Radio program/Community Outreach and Developing or providing material /handouts-posters etc ) • Briefings/interview ( Media or Emergency Department ) • Media Press Release • Organized visits to (during WMO Day) • School Visits • Conduct Research ( Min Agriculture /Health-Malaria)

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion! Communication

SIMS Website( www.met.gov.sb ) Social Media(Facebook)

Radio(SIBC) and other Radio FMs COMMUNICATION CHANNELS Email

Telephone Awareness Workshops programs

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Service Delivery • Make sure weather and climate products and bulletins were issue on time. • Make them available online(Accessibility ) • Inclusive for Gender and people with disability • Verbal communication via a free toll line

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Our Challenges and limitation

• Remoteness of some Islands • Understanding Weather terms/Languages used (Weather Forecasts and warnings still in English) • We use mostly Global models(less resolution) • Forecasts only for provincial, not specific areas • Lack , weather buoy for readings and sounding for upper air readings. • Lack of qualified Meteorologists • Limitations of Mobile networks and AM radio frequencies during severe weather events. • Linking public and Meteorology( Financial constraints)

http://www.met.gov.sb/ Practice in Motion!

THANK IU TUMAS

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