The Solomon Islands Meteorological Service (SIMS) and the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) have launched a new twinning partnership which builds on decades of close partnership dating back to the 1950s.

The partnership will strengthen the weather observing and forecasting capability of SIMS through training and targeted uplift of their systems and processes, a statement from the Australian high commission yesterday said.

This includes upgrading existing weather stations from manual to semi-automated, to make weather watching more effective and help forecast severe weather events, the statement said.

Improved prediction of extreme weather events, such as cyclones, earthquakes and tsunamis, will give communities more timely warning, helping them prepare and keep safe.

Under the new twinning arrangement, three SIMS staff members are completing a Graduate Diploma in Meteorology in Australia, alongside Australian and Papua New Guinean forecasters.

Minister for Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Trevor Mahaga emphasised the important role of improved weather forecasting capabilities to prepare for and respond to severe weather events.

“By enhancing our meteorological capabilities, we will not only improve our early warning systems, but also develop better strategies for disaster risk reduction,” Minister Mahaga said.

“This partnership will enable us to save lives and minimise economic losses, fostering resilience among our communities.”

Minister-Counsellor from the Australian High Commission, Ms Lindsay Buckingham said Australia is committed to supporting SIMS’ operational resilience.

“The importance of a strong and effective meteorological service is crucial to strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change,” Buckingham said.