With a tendency to strike with little or no warning and a capacity to trigger massive landslides, flash floods are among the most destructive types of natural disasters. The first international workshop to address the threat of flash flood, jointly organized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in partnership with the US Agency for International Development (USAID), was held in the Costa Rican capital city of San José on 13 - 17 March 2006, bringing together around 100 experts from some 50 countries.

The key objectives of the Workshop were to: (i) provide an overview of flash flood prediction capabilities; (ii) identify weak links in establishing operational flash flood warning systems and the ways to fill these gaps; (iii) showcase best practices and case studies; (iv) share knowledge, tools and technology; (v) present project briefs for establishing or improving flash flood forecasting services; and (vi) open dialogue with donor and finance organizations.

Mr. Edwin S.T. Lai, Senior Scientific Officer in charge of forecast systems development at the Observatory, gave an invited lecture on "Applications of NWP (Numerical Weather Prediction) and Radar-based QPF (Quantitative Precipitation Forecast) Techniques for Flash Flood and Landslip Warnings in Hong Kong" in the session on "emerging technology" on the first day of the Workshop. Reflecting on his long trip to the other side of the globe, Mr. Lai remarked, "Apart from the opportunity to share with other scientists and professionals how purposely designed forecasting systems can be utilized for effective decision-making in the operation of warning services in Hong Kong, it has been a great experience to take part in an initiative that brings together meteorologists, hydrologists, emergency response managers and donor organizations personnel from all corners of the world. For major river systems that often run through several countries, such occasions provide a forum to resolve problems scientifically, politically and financially, allowing much needed monitoring and forecasting technology to be meaningfully applied at an early date for the benefit of the communities at risk."

( Powerpoint presentation during the workshop )

( Report Abstract )