$11-m surveillance radar installed

For better weather reading

THE Civil Aviation Department is replacing and upgrading the Meteorological Services' surveillance radar with machine worth $11 million to improve the accuracy of weather reading as well as help the country prepare better in times of natural disasters.

This was disclosed by Chief Meteorological Officer, Muhammad Husaini Aji in a briefing held during a visit made by the Minister of Communications Pehin Orang Kaya Hamzah Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Haji Abdullah Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Haji Bakar to the Meteorological Section in Kg Anggerek Desa yesterday.

In a statement, the department said that a new Doppler Weather Surveillance Radar (DWSR) is currently being installed. DWSR is a system used to track and monitor the movement of rain and thunderstorms across the country, the statement explained.

The new $11 million surveillance radar is a new high-resolution system which generates numerical weather prediction that can immensely assist in improving the accuracy of forecasts and warnings issued by the Weather Forecast Centre under the department.

The project, implemented under the National Development Plan (NDP) 2007-2012, is expected to be completed and operational by August this year.

It is also intended to be used in supporting the preparation and handling of natural disasters in the country.

During the visit, the minister was also briefed on the roles and responsibilities of the Meteorological Services, which is actively monitoring the weather in the Sultanate.

Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah was also briefed on the efforts carried out by the section in providing forecasts, weather advisories and warnings to relevant agencies, such as the release of weather information through mass media.

The section collaborates closely with the National Disaster Management Centre and other government agencies, especially during the monsoon season that is currently hitting the country.

The irregular weather conditions the Sultanate is experiencing, attributed to the annual northeast monsoon and the La Nina phenomenon, are expected to improve in March this year.

The visit was aimed at obtaining a closer view of the ongoing works and preparations carried out by the section.

The minister ended his visit by reviewing the automated weather monitoring network system and national lightning detection system based at the building.

Pehin Dato Hj Abdullah had the opportunity to observe the systems that monitor weather conditions such as temperature, wind and air pressure at various locations throughout the country in 'real time' mode.

Also present during the visit were Dato Paduka Hj Alaihuddin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Lela Dato Seri Digadong Utama Hj Mohd Taha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications, Hj Mahmud Hj Alidi, Acting Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Communications. Division Directors, heads of departments and senior officials from the ministry.

The Brunei Times