Early weather warning project to focus on eThekwini
A groundbreaking early warning system for extreme weather events in South Africa is being developed to empower vulnerable communities and healthcare systems in response to the devastating impacts of flooding and associated health risks.
ARTIFICIAL Intelligence and latest technology will be at the forefront of an international research project aimed at better predicting weather predictions.
The project, titled ‘Warning System for Extreme weather events, Awareness Technology for Healthcare, Equitable Delivery, and Resilience (WEATHER),’ is a multi-partner collaboration involving the University of the West of Scotland (UWS), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery and the University of Portsmouth.
According to Professor David Ndzi, Professor of Wireless Communication Systems and the Head of the School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, University of Portsmouth, “The research will span over four years with a budget of more than £2 million (about R45.8m) from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) to develop the system, starting from January 2024. This move was stimulated by recent flooding experienced by KZN and unprecedented, weather patterns and subsequent disease outbreaks. The province has recently experienced extreme heat waves and unpredictable flooding.
“This project will enable better prediction, working with South African Weather Services (SAWS), communities and municipalities to circumvent over-flooding, especially in low-lying areas and informal settlements. This way we can implement precautionary measures and avoid loss of lives,” added Ndzi.
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“Its aim is to improve data provided by SAWS, with an emphasis on more localised rainfall, wind speed and heatwave readings. Individuals will be able to access information via an app and SMSs on their devices.”
Professor Saloshni Naidoo, Head of Discipline Public health medicine, UKZN concurred, “This ensures the developed system is culturally sensitive, context-specific, and addresses the unique needs of the target population. Using cutting-edge technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI), the WEATHER project will develop a comprehensive warning system tailored to the needs of affected communities.”
The project focuses on two vulnerable districts in KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini and Ugu, collaborating closely with local communities and healthcare providers throughout the research process.
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