The present National Meteorological Office (Onamet) is upgraded in government status and now will be the independent Meteorological Institute (Indomet). Onamet had operated as a Ministry of Public Works department. The bill that just recently passed in the Senate now returns to the Executive Branch for the signature of President Luis Abinader and its publishing.
On 19 June 2024, the Senate voted yes to the bill received from the Chamber of Deputies that will create the Dominican Meteorological Institute (Indomet). The agency now will be part of the Ministry of Environment and will replace Onamet.
The bill was approved with 19 votes in favor and five against. It had already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies and will now go to the Executive Branch for promulgation by President Luis Abinader.
The present budget allocated to Onamet will be strengthened for the new Indomet. Indomet is scheduled to receive new equipment to respond to the meteorological needs of the Dominican Republic.
The new institute will be responsible for:
• Issuing weather forecasts and warnings
• Conducting meteorological research
• Collecting and disseminating meteorological data
• Providing meteorological training and education
• Coordinating with other national and international agencies on meteorological matters
The creation of Indomet is expected to improve the quality and timeliness of meteorological services in the Dominican Republic, which will help to better protect lives and property from weather-related hazards.
At present, the Dominican government is installing a new weather radar at the Puerto Plata International Airport to cover the north coast. In addition, the government is contracting for the installation of what would be the country’s third weather radar at the Las Americas International Airport in Santo Domingo to cover the central to southwestern coast. Privately-owned Punta Cana International Airport already has its radar that has a reach to Santo Domingo.
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Diario Libre
20 June 2024