Seminar on early warning systems October 2008 Aix-en-Provence Summary of outcomes

Objectives To strengthen cooperation between Member States in order to set up early warning systems for marine hazards and floods to achieve concrete progress concerning – real-time exchange of data about the risks of tsunamis and floods, between Member States – communication of warnings to the affected sections of population

Experts worked on … Predictability and dimensioning of the hazard Consequence-based approach – definition of operational scenarios Dissemination For: Inland floods Coastal floods Tsunami risks

Inland floods Sharing data and information, with adaptation to different final users Closer co-operation between civil protection community and forecasting community in the preparedness and crisis phase Stronger collaboration between hydrology and meteorology in view of improving forecasting New technologies, coordination, monitoring Develop « what-if » scenarios to identify potential consequences Define guidelines for exercises and scenarios Cost-effective trainings for public

Coastal floods Sharing of experiences and practice on coastal mapping and surge forecasting, facilitated by EU EU should inventorate research and projects to help sharing and avoid duplication of effort Prefer all-hazards approach to realise multi-benefit solutions Harmonize presentation, and facilitate cross-border sharing of coastal flood assessment and real time forecasts Multiple methods for disseminating early warnings, help cell broadcasting use all over Europe (help of COM)

Tsunamis Need for research in hazard assessment, with support of EC (FP7), and data production, modelling, vulnerable zones identification Several national proposals exist; need integration to ensure compatibility and complete coverage (GIC- NEAMTWS might help) Reinforce link between scientists and civil protection Need to further develop preparedness and awareness raising, involving local residents and tourists Convince the stakeholders there is a need to get prepared

Tsunamis - 2 To develop: monitoring; data production and transmission; modelling of on-site response Role of the COM: call MS attention to the need of a detection system; contribute to development of exchange data, to capacity building, to define common strategies to raise awareness

Summary conclusions To make information available in a useful way for the benefit of various target groups, and in an appropriate shape Real-time data sharing Improve dialogue between scientists and civil protection authorities (and better address their needs) Reinforce: Education, information, harmonization of signals, prepardeness

Thank you for attention