Switzerland unveils a national drought-detection system
The early-warning system will help the cantons and communes to take measures in good time. For example, they will be able to decide to close fountains and adapt water supplies.
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Listening: Switzerland unveils a national drought-detection system
Switzerland is preparing for the consequences of climate change. On Thursday, it launched a new national system for detecting drought and warning the population and authorities in advance.
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La Suisse lance un système national de détection des sécheresses
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The aim of the system is to minimise damage and shortages in basic supplies, the federal offices for the environment (FOEN), meteorology and climatology (MeteoSwiss) and topography (Swisstopo), which are behind the project, said on Thursday.
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Why water-rich Switzerland needs to monitor droughts
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Droughts are set to become increasingly frequent as well as last longer in Switzerland. How can they be predicted?
The information, which will be sent to the authorities, specialist services and the general public, should help the cantons and communes to take measures in good time. For example, they will be able to decide to close fountains and adapt water supplies.
Alerts will also be issued via existing channels, such as the Confederation’s natural hazards portal, in the event of a prolonged drought.
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Translated from French with DeepL/gw
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