Leribe: The Disaster Management Authority (DMA), in collaboration with the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS), is conducting a comprehensive five-day Sectoral and Sub-National Workshop in Leribe. The focus is on developing and validating forecasting and early action products to enhance Anticipatory Action and Disaster Risk Management.

According to African Press Organization, the workshop has gathered key stakeholders, technical experts, and district sector representatives. During the event, Mr. Rasebilo Maqelepo, Public Relations Officer at the District Administrators Office in Leribe, emphasized the significance of the workshop in addressing climate change effects. He highlighted that the action plan would equip communities to better prepare for and respond to climate-related challenges.

DMA Director of Emergencies and Response, Mr. Retselisitsoe Molefe, underscored the necessity of timely planning and mitigation efforts. He noted that reactive responses are typically more costly and less timely.

Mr. Moahloli Ntele, LMS Head of Research and Innovation Development and Action First Lesotho Core Lead, explained that the workshop aims to develop and validate Impact-Based Forecasting (IBF) products and reinforce operational thresholds. Participants are expected to contribute their scientific and forecasting expertise, disaster risk management experience, and sectoral knowledge, while also considering district and community perspectives.

Highlighting Lesotho's main hazards, LMS Weather Forecaster Mr. Rethabile Mphahama mentioned heavy rainfall, flash floods, river flooding, drought, severe thunderstorms, hailstorms, strong winds, and frost. He detailed the key functions of coordination with districts and local authorities, disaster preparedness and response, and contingency planning.

Mr. Mphahama elaborated on the LMS's role in communicating warnings based on forecast thresholds, expected intensity, and duration of hazards. Forecasts and warnings are disseminated to relevant government and emergency response units through various channels, including radio, television, social media, websites, and district and community structures.