GFDRR works closely with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), national meteorological and hydrological services, and other partners to help countries modernize their weather, climate, and hydrological information systems
Why Hydrometeorological Services Matter
Hydrometeorological (“hydromet”) hazards—such as storms, floods, droughts, and heat and cold waves—are responsible for the greatest proportion of losses from adverse natural events, causing nearly 80 percent of disasters and over 50 percent of disaster-related deaths between 1980 and 2011.
What We Do
GFDRR helps countries develop modern and sustainable weather, climate, and water information systems, which are essential components of national disaster and climate risk management strategies. With support from GFDRR, in collaboration with regional and national meteorological and hydrological services, countries can improve preparedness, foster resilience, and enhance the economic performance of weather dependent sectors.
The GFDRR Hydromet Program, launched in 2011, focuses its work in three areas:
Providing analytical support and knowledge management concerning weather and climate information systems and services;
Building capacity and providing technical assistance to World Bank teams and client countries through workshops, training sessions, and advisory services; and
Facilitating portfolio development and operations in priority countries.
Additionally, GFDRR provides country- and regional-level grants and implementation support for the modernization of weather, climate, and hydrological information services. Across its work, GFDRR emphasizes the role of the ultimate users of climate, weather, and water information—the people and businesses that will benefit most from effective hydromet services and drive sustainable demand for them.