SAHF aims to inform operationalization of hydromet service modernization and DRM investment in SAR countries, contribute to training and capacity building of clients and task teams, and support regional consultations.
RIMES administered the second South Asia Hydromet Forum (SAHFII) as a follow up to the inaugural SAHF event which was cohosted by World Bank in partnership with the World Meteorological Organization in Geneva, Switzerland, in October 2018. The event laid the groundwork for a regional cooperation to promote quality hydromet services and early warning systems.
RIMES facilitates SAHF to bring together various stakeholders in the South Asia region to enhance regional collaboration and address hydrological and meteorological challenges that are unique to the region.
SAHF countries include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka
On 1 April 2021, SAHF Executive Council (EC) was formed to steer the whole initiative and to ensure institutional ownership right from the beginning with the inception meeting held by EC (Heads of the NMHS). The EC members elected the EC Chair and Co-Chair, Dr. M. Mohapatra (DG-IMD) and Dr. Karma Dupchu (Director-NCHM, Bhutan) respectively. The First Joint Executive Council and Working Group Meeting were held on 14th June 2021 to launch this initiative.
SAHF Knowledge Hub
The SAHF Knowledge Hub development, initiated in 2021 incorporates the following key features:
- RIMES-ECMWF Data Exchange (DataEx) platform- for visualisation of the forecast and observation data
- Learning Management System
- Forecasters’ forum to enhance operational cooperation between NMHSs.
The SAHF Knowledge Hub supports data and forecast access through, as well as forecast verification (module under development and testing).
