Taster Session: How Can Better Warning Systems Save Lives?

Early Warning Systems and the Indian Ocean Dipole: Managing Meteorological Risks

By Shipra Jain

Weather hazards impact every aspect of our lives, from our daily routines to the functioning of entire societies. But with the changing climate, our traditional hazard prediction and risk mitigation approaches face unprecedented challenges. This session will focus on connecting theory to practice in disaster prediction, showcasing the science behind early warnings and their implementation in real-world scenarios.

This lecture, part of the Risk and Disaster Reduction taster series, introduces the concept and practical application of early warning systems for managing meteorological risks, specifically through the example of the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Delivered by Dr Shipra Jain, the talk explores Dr Jain’s research and practical experience in predicting and mitigating the impacts of extreme weather events. The 2019 drought in Southeast Asia is presented as a case study, demonstrating the severe impacts of a positive phase of the IOD, including drought, wildfires, and flooding. Dr Jain details the development of an IOD warning system for the Singapore MetService, emphasising the importance of early prediction and effective communication to enhance disaster resilience across affected regions.

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Interested in undergraduate or postgraduate study in risk, disaster reduction, and humanitarian action?

The RDR Virtual Taster Sessions provide prospective students with a taste of what it’s like to study in the UCL Department of Risk and Disaster Reduction (RDR). Our taster sessions are free to attend, and you can sign up for as many as you like, depending on your interest areas. Sessions are led by RDR academics, and you will have the opportunity to engage directly with our internationally renowned experts.

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