Weather experts are calling for greater public education to improve understanding and response to early warning weather systems in South Africa. As the country faces increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, these systems are vital for saving lives and minimizing damage. However, challenges remain in ensuring that the public acts promptly and effectively in response to warnings.
This topic was the focus of a recent roundtable discussion held in Pretoria on extreme weather patterns and ensuring that early warnings reach and are understood by all citizens.
According to meteorologist Annete Botha from the South African Weather Services SAWS, while the weather services have an accurate warning system, the public often struggles to fully comprehend the warning levels and their implications. Botha emphasized the importance of educating citizens about the different levels of warnings and the associated risks, so they can take the appropriate actions to protect themselves and their communities.
As extreme weather events such as floods and snowstorms become more frequent in South Africa, ensuring that timely and correct action is taken by various stakeholders is becoming increasingly important to minimize the effects of these disasters.
