RIMES countries to share met, oceanographic data

The Regional Integrated Multi-hazard Early Warning Systems (RIMES) nations on Friday agreed to share regionally relevant meteorological and oceanographic data between partner institutions, member-states and collaborating countries.

"(We) agree to share regionally relevant meteorological and oceanographic data to partner institutions, member-states and collaborating countries," the declaration of the 2nd RIMES ministerial conference that took place here said.

An international institution managed by 12 member-states and chaired by India, RIMES evolved from the efforts of countries in Africa and Asia in the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami to establish a regional early warning system, and capacity building for preparedness and response to trans-boundary hazards.

There are 19 collaborating countries in RIMES, including Afghanistan, China, Pakistan, and Russia among others.

Among other recommendations, the countries decided to launch a capacity building programme for enhancing early warning systems for small island states, in collaboration with regional and national institutions.

The declaration also called for a meeting of donors for resourcing master plan 2016-2020 implementation, particularly priority programmes and projects for least developed member states and small island developing states.

Established in April 2009, RIMES operates from its regional early warning centre located on the campus of Asian Institute of Technology in Pathumthani, Thailand.