Tropical Cyclone Bhola prompted international calls at the United Nations General Assembly in 1970 and 1972 to find ways and means to mitigate the harmful effects of tropical cyclones. This laid the foundation for the WMO Tropical Cyclone Programme, which marks its 40 anniversary in 2020. The Programme covers all ocean basins prone to tropical cyclones and now includes 85 Members States and Territories. It facilitates observations, research, coordination and communication to improve tropical cyclone monitoring, forecasting and warning. It supports Regional Tropical Cyclone bodies to implement impact-based, multi-hazard early warnings for tropicial cyclones and related hazards such as strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges.
The Programme covers four areas: meteorology, disaster risk reduction, research and training. These areas are implemented through two components:
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A general component that focuses on training, capacity development and transfer of technology, information and expertise to Members
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The regional component comprises the five Regional Tropical Cyclone bodies that form the basis of the Programme, with their respective Regional Meteorological Specialized Centres (RSMCs) and their NMHSs in a network. Each of the regional bodies has developed and maintained a Tropical Cyclone Operational Plan which defines the observing, forecasting and warning responsibilities of all cooperating Members
Digital cards and videos are available here.
Fiji highlights importance of impact-based, multi-hazard early warnings
Following Tropical Cyclone Harold in April, WMO conducted interviews with Fiji's Prime Minister and Minister of Environment and Meteorology as well as other partners on the importance of the Tropical Cyclone Programme in their context. The interviews in Fiji highlighted the importance of impact-based early warning systems being implemented by the Tropical Cyclone Programme:
Regional Tropical Cyclone bodies congratulate the Programme and highlight the value of cooperation
From Kenneth Graham, Director of the RSMC-Hurricane Center Miami, USA, and Chair of the Hurricane Committee:
From Mnikeli Ndabambi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the South African Weather Service
From Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre Jakarta, Indonesia:
From Misaeli Funaki, Director of RSMC-Tropical Cyclone Center Nandi, Fiji:
From Emmanuel Cloppet, Director of RSMC-Tropical Cyclone Center La Reunion, France, and Chair of the Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South-West Indian Ocean
From Chris Noble, Chairperson of the Tropical Cyclone Committee for the South Pacific and South-East Indian Ocean, and Steve Ready (former chairperson of the Committee):
