Dhaka: The Bangladesh Meteorological Department (BMD) has launched high-resolution climate projection data and an advanced storm surge forecasting model to enhance the country's ability to manage climate change-related disasters and improve public safety.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the announcement was made during a national seminar titled "Climate Projection and Storm Surge Modelling for Effective Disaster Risk Reduction in Bangladesh," held at the Bangladesh Tourism Corporation. The event saw the attendance of Defence Secretary Md Ashraf Uddin as the chief guest, alongside Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Bangladesh Chief Representative Junko Takahashi and Wing-3 Chief of the Ministry of Defence Brigadier General Md Saifur Rahman as special guests. BMD Director Md Mominul Islam chaired the session, as noted in an ISPR press release.
The high-resolution climate projection data and forecasting tools were developed through the JICA-funded Technical Assistance Project (TAPP) named "Strengthening the Capacity of Weather and Climate Services." This project included a series of capacity-building training programmes conducted in July, featuring scientific and technical training for BMD officials by scientists from the Meteorological Research Institute (MRI) of the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), Dr Akihiko Murata and Dr Nadao Kohno.
The newly developed climate projections indicate a potential increase in monsoon rainfall in Bangladesh's northeastern region, elevating the risk of flash floods due to more frequent extreme rainfall events. Additionally, the projections suggest that heatwaves may persist with greater intensity even after the onset of the monsoon, and dense fog may become more prevalent during winter and the post-monsoon period.
Officials have highlighted that the new storm surge forecasting model will offer more precise advance information on surge height, potential inundation zones, and surge patterns. It is also expected to improve daily forecasts of sea wave heights. The BMD has noted that the storm surge forecasting model is already operational, with forecasts available on its official website, aligning with the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) "Early Warnings for All (EW4All)" global programme.
The seminar was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Department of Disaster Management, Armed Forces Division, Bangladesh Water Development Board, University of Dhaka, and various government, non-government, and international development organizations. During the event, the chief guest acknowledged JICA's ongoing support and reaffirmed the government's dedication to employing modern technologies to safeguard citizens from weather-related threats.