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A new weather observatory will be established in Noonu atoll Maafaru, making it the sixth of its kind in Maldives.
The project is part of a broader initiative under the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF), supported by the United Nations Multiparty Trust Fund (UNMPTF) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The project aims to upgrade existing weather stations in the Maldives to Global Basic Observation Network standards.
A working session to initiate the practical implementation of the four-year project was held yesterday. The initiative is being executed in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) with technical support from Finnish Meteorological Institute.
The project includes:
- Upgrading weather instruments at four current observatories
- Establishing a new meteorological office in Maafaru
- Repairing and recommissioning the radiosonde system
- Providing new equipment and technical training for local personnel
Maldives Meteorological Service (MET) currently operates observatories in Hulhule, Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo, Laamu Kadhdhoo, Gaafu Dhaalu Kaadedhdhoo, and Addu City Gan. In addition, there are automated weather stations in 20 islands and tide stations in Hanimaadhoo, Hulhule, and Addu City.
According to Met Office, this project will significantly strengthen the country’s early warning systems, enhance weather forecasting capabilities, and improve the Maldives’ contributions to the global meteorological observation network.
The workshop launching the project brought together 40 participants from the Maldives Meteorological Service, UNEP, and other partner agencies, as well as Regional Multi-hazard Earlywarning System for Africa and Asia.
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