The Mayor of Odesa, Hennadiy Trukhanov, held a meeting with the director of the Hydro-meteorological Center of the Black and Azov Seas, Viktor Sytov.

During the dialogue, the parties discussed crucial aspects of emergency events, forecasting methods, and opportunities to enhance cooperation between meteorological services and local authorities.

Viktor Sytov noted that the Center currently operates 12 meteorological stations, four of which are marine. However, the existing equipment does not provide sufficient precision; for instance, the stations record cloud cover but cannot accurately predict precipitation amounts.

The director of the Hydro-meteorological Center emphasized that southern regions, especially coastal cities, need more accurate data that modern locators can provide, similar to those already installed in Lviv and Kyiv region with state funding.

“The range of Finnish equipment is up to 300 km. It could cover the entire southern region, extending as far as Vinnytsia. We have already reported this necessity to central authorities. This equipment is costly but extremely essential, as it would allow for precise determination of precipitation amounts and their localization, potentially even preventing disasters,” the Hydro-meteorological Center director highlighted.

As a result of the meeting, the Mayor of Odesa tasked relevant deputies to collaborate with the Hydro-meteorological Center's management to prepare a technical specification and justification for the installation of such a locator in Odesa.

Additionally, Hennadiy Trukhanov plans to reach out to sister cities to request support for this initiative aimed at enhancing the safety of our residents.

“It is critically important for us that weather forecasts are as complete and accurate as possible, as for local authorities this is not just information but a basis for operational response planning and further actions,” emphasized Hennadiy Trukhanov.