Vanuatu is edging closer to a major leap forward in early-warning capability, with the installation of a new C-band Doppler weather radar now nearing completion. A high-level delegation visited the radar site last week to assess progress and confirm final updates before commissioning.
From a press release it states that the new radar has been acquired to significantly strengthen the country’s multi-hazard early warning system, with enhanced detection of tropical cyclones, torrential rainfall, destructive winds, and other severe weather events.
The site visit brought together the Director of the Vanuatu Meteorology and Geohazards Department (VMGD), representatives from the Van-KIRAP Project (Vanuatu Climate Information to Prepare, Adapt and Protect), SPREP, and technical specialists from Cetelnet South Pacific, the company contracted for installation.
VMGD Director Mr. Levu Antfalo said the project is advancing well and will greatly enhance national preparedness.
“As we move closer to completion, we look forward to delivering a fully operational system that boosts early-warning capabilities and strengthens climate resilience for our people. The technical teams are ensuring the radar installation meets the highest standards to safeguard Vanuatu against the increasing threats of climate change.”
A New Era of Real-Time Weather Monitoring
Once operational, the Doppler radar will play a critical role in monitoring severe weather and providing faster, more accurate alerts. It will offer real-time, high-resolution visual weather data at forecast ranges from hours to days, fully integrated into the Vanuatu Climate Information System (CIS).
This will enable VMGD to deliver improved services for the public, and for key sectors such as marine, aviation, agriculture and disaster management.
A major breakthrough will be the ability to track local extreme events, including severe afternoon thunderstorms—phenomena that are currently difficult or impossible to detect with the existing manual observation network.
The radar will also enhance the ability to determine rainfall intensity and potential for flash flooding, ensuring hazard warnings are issued earlier and more accurately, helping reduce loss of life and damage to property.
Beyond weather, the new system will support monitoring of volcanic ash clouds, their movement and coverage, and pave the way for mesoscale forecasting — a capability currently not possible in Vanuatu.
A National Investment in Climate Resilience
The project marks a significant investment by the Government of Vanuatu through VMGD and is jointly funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and SPREP. The installation of the radar moves Vanuatu a step closer to a more resilient future, equipped with the technology needed to better prepare for the intensifying impacts of climate change.
Photos supplied.
