HRC has partnered with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to implement a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) in the West Africa region.  This phase of the project will enhance the flash flood forecasting capabilities of the countries of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.  The project will include development of technology, training, protocols and procedures to address the issues of mitigating the impacts of flash floods.  The implementation of the system will provide of critical and timely information to the National Meteorological and Hydrologic Services in each country for the detection, forecast and warning of flash floods.

Funding for the development and implementation of the West Africa Flash Flood Guidance System (WAFFGS) is provided through “Seamless operational forecast systems and technical assistance for capacity building in West Africa” project as part of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) initiative supported by the governments of Australia, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, and Switzerland.

HRC began its development activities by supporting the Initial Planning Meeting held in Dakar, Senegal. The objective of the meeting was to introduce the countries of West Africa to the FFGS with global coverage Project and to explore ways for its development and implementation in the region, including the commitments and activities that are required for the system to function properly.  During a follow up virtual meeting with the countries, WMO and HRC identified the data needs, data availability and initial implementation plan.