ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has finally receivedfunds and support to replace its three-decade-old radar system with new,advanced equipment.
The C-band Doppler radar is expected to improve accuracy in forecastingsevere weather systems before they hit the country. The department has beenusing the prevailing system, S-band radar since 1991. The new system isgoing to be operational before 2020.
The new radar is believed to be the most advanced in the region. It will beinstalled in collaboration with the help of the Japanese state agency,Japan International Cooperation Agency. The new system is coming at a priceof Rs. 1.8 billion, 97 percent of which will be paid by Japan.
Chief Meteorological Officer in Karachi, Sardar Sarfaraz, has told, “Thenew radar system will enhance our ability to make accurate short termweather forecasts within the range of 450km around Karachi, whilethunderstorms and other unusual weather events will be observed from allsides.”
According to the official, the capacity of the new radar is two timeshigher than the currently installed system. Moreover, the new system willimprove the accuracy of rainfall estimates, especially during high-impactweather events like storms.New Radar’s Capacity
Along with accuracy, the Met department will be able to predict therainfall in centimeters and millimeters with the new Doppler radar. Withthe advancement of technology, weather radar systems have also advanced.They are now able to detect and issue warnings on weather-related hazards.
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National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) spokesperson, BrigadierMukhtar Ahmed, has also said that the new radar will improve the overallearly warning system. “We will be able to respond to extremeweather-related disasters in a much better way after the radar isinstalled,” he added.
The new radar has several applications. It will also improve aviationsafety and increase the operational efficiency of the air transportindustry. “With this radar, we can share information with ships and planeswhich is good for air safety and sea safety,” said the Met chief.
He further told that the new system will be helpful to the fishermen aswell. It will allow the met department to issue weather forecasts withinthe vicinity of 200 km of the open sea. It will be able to predict cyclonesfrom the Arabian Sea beforehand.
