The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed an exclusive, integrated ocean information and forecast system for Seychelles and Sri Lanka, in collaboration with Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (RIMES).
The system was inaugurated by Union Minister for Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan, at the 2nd RIMES Ministerial conference held in Delhi on July 10. RIMES is an intergovernmental institution registered with UN, owned and managed by its 12 Member States, for the generation and application of early warning information, stated a press release here on Sunday.
In the integrated ocean information and forecast system, INCOIS is now providing three-day forecasts (available at 3-6 hour temporal resolution) on waves, winds, currents, temperature in map and numeric data form for Seychelles and Sri Lanka, in addition to alerts on high wave, swells, tsunami, and oil spill trajectory. These forecasts are updated daily on operational basis. Location specific forecasts for important local places such as a major port, fishing harbour or a recreational spot are also available for 18 locations in Seychelles and 22 in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said India now has world-class early warning systems capable of disseminating alerts and warnings within 10 minutes, not only for the country but for neighbours too.
The hazards to these island nations include those from winds and waves associated with cyclones; swell waves from the Southern Ocean, especially for Seychelles and south-west coast of Sri Lanka; and tidal flooding. All these regions come under the influence of south-west monsoon, during which sea conditions can be extremely rough. The two low-lying countries also face the risk of flooding during high swells, which could be compounded by extreme tidal forcing (Perigean spring tides).
On some occasions, waves, winds, tides and currents act in concert to exacerbate the damage. Timely information on winds, waves, swells, currents and tides is essential for operational safety during fair weather conditions as well as for taking adequate precautions during extreme events, for a wide spectrum of users ranging from fishermen to weathermen, the release said.
