Technologies implemented in Guatemala with CABEI support contribute to prevent natural disasters and save lives
These investments improve the monitoring of natural and seismological phenomena, decision making and the protection of Guatemalans throughout the country.
Guatemala City, September 27th, 2023.- To strengthen early warning mechanisms and manage and disseminate timely information in crisis situations, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) financed the project "Expansion, Improvement and Modernization of the Seismological, Meteorological and Hydrological Observation Networks for the Prevention of Natural Disasters", implemented in the country's 22 departments.
This project, which was completed in 2019, focused on modernizing the observation and monitoring systems of the National Institute of Seismology, Volcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH for its name in Spanish), incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and improving the existing infrastructure. Installed a weather radar with a range of 480 kilometers, covering both the national territory and border areas with Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador.
"We are proud to have participated in this initiative, which marked an important milestone in information and monitoring systems to improve weather forecasting. We are convinced that these investments will continue to benefit the economic, social, scientific and educational sectors, and will strengthen decision-making to protect life and communities in Guatemala", commented Jaime Díaz Palacios, CABEI Executive Vice President.
Different monitoring stations were implemented nationwide, along with their infrastructure, to monitor climatic data such as temperature, wind, humidity, rainfall, as well as hydrological and seismic data. Subsequently, this information is transmitted in real time to INSIVUMEH for processing and dissemination.
Among the institutions that directly benefit from INSIVUMEH's improved services are the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics, national port companies, the public and private electricity sector, the medium and large construction industry and the tourism sector.
This operation is framed within CABEI's 2020-2024 Institutional Strategy, and contributes to Social Development and competitiveness through improved productive infrastructure. In addition, it contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals SDG 9; Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure; SDG 11. Sustainable Cities and Communities; and SDG 13. Climate Action.
