A LOCAL weather observer and radio man from Mossel Bay has launched a community-based weather and disaster information service, helping authorities and the general public to be better prepared when storms hit the area.

The South African Weather and Disaster Information Service (SAWDIS) seeks to utilise the existing network of amateur radio operators (HAMS), private weather station operators, the internet and the media to improve the reporting of meteorological observations. “Weather and disaster observers decided to establish SAWDIS on a voluntary and non-profit basis as a service to the country and our local communities because we saw a need to improve the quality and quantity of surface weather observations in South Africa,” says founder Johan Terblanche. One of the site’s objectives is to create a cooperative observer network that will erect automatic weather stations throughout the country. Visitors can view Terblanche’s blog – http://saweatherobserver.blogspot.com – via the Mossel Bay Tourism website (www.visitmosselbay.co.za).