13 February 2012: The UN International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UN/ISDR) and the African Centre of Meteorological Applications for Development (ACMAD) have partnered to ensure the dissemination of weather updates to disaster managers in the African region, particularly in light of the current crisis in the Horn of Africa.

According to UN/ISDR, the partnership is intended to forge closer links between the climate science community and disaster managers in Africa. It is hoped this will lead to increased understanding of early warnings, resulting in more rapid responses at all levels. ACMAD Director-General Alhassane Diallo underscored that improved dialogue between climate scientists and disaster managers will lead to “better understanding of climate change and the impact on vulnerable communities.” [UN/ISDR Press Release] [UN Press Release]