Weather expert gripes about overloaded prediction systems.

Intense downpour - Weather expert gripes about overloaded prediction systems.

Amidst the recent flooding incidents, meteorologist Karsten Schwanke emphasizes the need for advancements in measurement and forecasting systems. He notes that during the recent events in South Germany and earlier in Saarland, various automated predictions were swamped by the heavy rain, as Schwanke shared during the 112 Rescue trade fair in Dortmund on Wednesday.

The trade event, focusing on rescue services and disaster management professionals, has become the platform for discussing the difficulties posed by severe weather events, with Schwanke being a key speaker. His observations highlighted the increasing frequency of high temperature records and violent rainfalls, as illustrated by the data he presented. "We need to be ready for this continuous trend," said Schwanke.

For the regions of South Germany, accurate weather models have been efficient in predicting the recent heavy rains and the affected zones. However, a pertinent gap remains in terms of predicting the actual consequences of the anticipated rainfall. "How high will the flood levels reach? Which specific areas will be submerged? How will the water levels fluctuate?" Schwanke noted a significant need for progress in mathematical modeling. "We're still taken aback when dealing with smaller bodies of water," he observed. In a crisis, first responders would also lack crucial data.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul (CDU) admitted that for years, population and disaster protection have been underestimated outside of specialized corridors. The 2021 event woke many people up, but there is a "monumental need for improvement and technological renovations in every corner and aspect," said Reul. He vowed to provide the essential political support and further advance the topics, per the Minister.

Until Saturday, participants from fire departments, emergency services, and disaster management can learn about validated tools and state-of-the-art technologies in the exhibition halls. The showcase includes remote-controlled salvage boats and fire drones, upgraded rescue vehicles, and equipment. Among the new products is a mobile command post in a container, suitable for usage as an emergency command center in power failure or pandemic scenarios, or an emergency robot mainly advantageous for combating large forest fires. This is the second iteration of the fair, which gathered 13,000 visitors at its initial edition.

Read also:

1. Despite the flooding in North Rhine-Westphalia, the trade fair in Dortmund continued to discuss the challenges posed by severe weather events, with experts like Karsten Schwanke highlighting the need for improved mathematical modeling.
2. In the aftermath of the flooding incidents in Southern Germany and Saarland, many expressed concerns about the lack of accurate predictions regarding the consequences of heavy rainfall, as noted by meteorologist Schwanke.
3. Ahead of the trade fair in Dortmund, where fairs and emergency services collaborate, officials from Saarland recognized the importance of technological advancements in disaster management to better prepare for future flood events.
4. As the flood event in Southern Germany intensified, regional leaders like Interior Minister Herbert Reul called for improved population and disaster protection, acknowledging that long-term underestimation had been a significant issue.
5. During the 112 Rescue trade fair in Dortmund, experts demonstrated new tools and technologies designed to combat future storms and flood events, including mobile command posts and emergency robots, aimed at better handling crises in Germany and beyond.

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