BMD unveils high-tech tools to fight climate disasters
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) on Thursday unveiled high-resolution climate projection data and an advanced storm surge forecasting model aimed at improving disaster preparedness, strengthening early warning systems and protecting communities from climate change-induced hazards.
Bangladesh has taken another step towards improving climate resilience with the launch of new forecasting tools designed to enhance disaster risk reduction and public safety.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) introduced the high-resolution climate projection data and storm surge forecasting model at a national seminar titled “Climate Projection and Storm Surge Modelling for Effective Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh” held at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation.
The new systems were developed under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)-funded Technical Assistance Project (TAPP), “Strengthening the Capacity of Weather and Climate Services.”
According to the BMD, the high-resolution climate projections indicate that the country’s northeastern region could receive heavier monsoon rainfall, increasing the likelihood of flash floods triggered by more frequent extreme rainfall events.
The projections also suggest that heatwaves may persist with greater intensity even after the onset of the monsoon, while dense fog could become more frequent during winter and the post-monsoon season.
Officials said the newly developed storm surge forecasting model is capable of providing more accurate advance forecasts on surge height, inundation areas and surge behaviour, while also improving daily sea wave height predictions.
The BMD said the storm surge model has already become operational and its forecasts are now being published through the department’s official website. The initiative also supports the World Meteorological Organization’s “Early Warnings for All (EW4All)” programme.
Addressing the seminar, Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin appreciated JICA’s continued support and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the use of advanced technologies to better protect people from weather-related disasters.
JICA Bangladesh Chief Representative Junko Takahashi and Wing-3 Chief of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General Md Saifur Rahman attended the programme as special guests, while BMD Director Md Mominul Islam chaired the seminar.
As part of the project, the BMD organised a series of capacity-building programmes in July, during which Dr Akihiko Murata and Dr Nadao Kohno of the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) under the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) provided scientific and technical training to BMD officials.
Representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Disaster Management, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Water Development Board, the University of Dhaka, and several government, non-government and international development organisations also attended the seminar.
