Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Programme

WMO User Workshop: “Requirements for Weather, Climate and Hydrological Services to Support Loss and Damage Data Collection and Risk Modelling ”

(at the 2014 Understanding Risk Forum, 30 June – 4 July, 2014, London, UK )

Updated on: 10 July 2014

Hydro-meteorological related disasters comprise about 88 per cent of all disaster events, causing 72 % of all economic losses and 36 % of fatalities. The IPCC Fifth Assessment Report projects that the severity, intensity and frequency of hydro-meteorological hazards such as droughts, floods, and tropical cyclones are increasing due to human-induced climate change. Changing characteristics of these hazards are posing challenges in emergency preparedness, risk management, as well as with longer-term strategic planning and investments in critical infrastructure and economic sectors. A fundamental requirement for risk analysis is quantification of hazard characteristics. Traditionally, statistical analyses of hazard characteristics have been used. However, with consideration for the changing patterns of hydro-meteorological hazards, statistical analysis based on historical data should be supplemented with forward-looking modelling tools that enable us to measure changes in the characteristics of hazards at various time scales. During this session, leading international experts will describe and discuss latest technologies in hazard modelling, WMO activities in establishing international guidelines and standards, as well as issues related to accessibility and availability of hazard information.

For any additional information please contact:

Dr Maryam Golnaraghi
Chief, Chief of Disaster Risk Reduction Division
World Meteorological Organization
7bis,avenue de la Paix
Case postale 2300
CH-1211 Geneva 2
Switzerland
Tel: + 41-(0) 22-730-8006
Fax: + 41-(0) 22-730-8128
Email: mgolnaraghi@wmo.int