Media Release
NOAA Holds National Weather Service Workshop in Chuuk
August 19, 2009
On August 11 -12, a representative from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) conducted an Annual National Weather Service Tropical Cyclone, Disaster Preparedness, and Climate Workshop at the High Tide Hotel in Weno, Chuuk.
National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologist Charles ‘Chip’ Guard, from the NOAA office in Guam, presented seminars on a myriad of natural disaster-related issues that threaten Chuuk State, including tropical cyclones, tsunamis, typhoons, volcanoes, El Niño and La Niña. In order to understand the source of such disasters, participants studied the causes of weather events and such oceanic occurrences as currents, rip currents, and tides. Mr. Guard held a separate presentation for attendees on how to recognize tropical cyclone categories and wind-damage scale applications, how to extrapolate pertinent information from weather systems, and how to make critical, life-saving decisions. Climate and climate change were also discussed.
In addition to oceanic and atmospheric education, the workshop detailed the program and product offerings of Weather Forecast Office (WFO) Guam and WFO Guam’s coordination with Weather Service Office (WSO) Chuuk. Mr. Wilfred Robert, Chuuk State Disaster Coordination Officer, who is also the Governor’s Chief of Staff, along with Mr. Johannes Berdon, Official in Charge of the Chuuk Weather Service Office, and Mr. Sanchez Salle, the Senior Weather Service Specialist at the Chuuk Weather Service office also discussed their roles and how they coordinate among themselves during emergency conditions. In order to enhance local understanding, much of this discussion was in the Chuukese language. Chuuk State Lieutenant Governor Johnson Elimo opened the workshop with a keynote address.
As well as weather forecasts, severe storm warnings and climate monitoring, NOAA conducts fisheries management, coastal restoration and marine commerce support. NOAA provides to the FSM planners, emergency managers, and decision makers, accurate and timely information on oceanic and atmospheric issues.
NOAA is considered an international leader on scientific and environmental matters. Its mission is to understand and predict changes in Earth’s environment and conserve and manage coastal and marine resources in order to meet economic, social, and environmental needs. In organizing such workshops and other outreach activities, NOAA hopes to promote an informed society that can count upon a comprehensive understanding of the role of the ocean, coasts and atmosphere in order to make the best possible social and economic decisions.