Seychelles hosts regional SWIOFFGS refresher training |22 August 2026

SMA chairperson Gerard Hoareau addressing the participants

Seychelles hosts regional SWIOFFGS refresher training

Representatives from across the Southwest Indian Ocean gathered in Seychelles from August 17–19, 2026 for a refresher training on the Southwest Indian Ocean Flash Flood Guidance System (SWIOFFGS).

The three‑day programme brought together participants from regional countries, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), trainers from the South African Weather Service (SAWS), technical experts, and staff of the Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA). It built on earlier SWIOFFGS training sessions conducted by the Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC) in 2024 and 2025.

Strengthening operational knowledge

Organised with WMO support, the training allowed participants to consolidate and update their operational knowledge, review procedures, and exchange experiences in flash‑flood monitoring, forecasting, and early‑warning services.

The Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) is a key operational tool for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services. By combining rainfall, hydrological, and soil‑moisture data, it helps forecasters assess whether rainfall could trigger flash flooding. This capability is vital in the Southwest Indian Ocean, where intense rainfall can quickly affect small catchments. FFGS complements other forecasting systems by offering new approaches to analysing meteorological data and improving warning decisions.

While no system guarantees 100% accuracy, FFGS significantly reduces forecasting errors and enhances timely, impact‑based warnings to support early action.

Importance for Seychelles

For Seychelles, SWIOFFGS is especially valuable given the islands’ steep terrain, intense rainfall, and rapid runoff, which heighten risks of flash floods and landslides. Prolonged rainfall can also destabilise slopes. A critical feature of the system is its ability to track soil saturation: rainfall on dry soil may be absorbed, while the same amount on saturated ground can quickly generate runoff and flooding. High saturation also raises the risk of slope failure, making this data essential for both flood and landslide warnings.

Regional cooperation

The refresher training strengthened regional collaboration by enabling forecasters, technical staff, and trainers to share experiences, discuss challenges, and identify opportunities to improve use of flash‑flood guidance products.

SMA reaffirmed that continued investment in forecasting systems, technical capacity, and regional cooperation is vital to delivering timely, reliable warnings and protecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from flash floods and landslides.

The accompanying photos show some highlights of the training.

Contributed by the Seychelles Meteorological Authority