In 2008, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) used a
seasonal forecast for West Africa for the first time to implement an Early Warning, Early Action
strategy for enhanced flood preparedness and response. Interviews with disaster managers suggest
that this approach improved their capacity and response. Relief supplies reached flood victims
within days, as opposed to weeks in previous years, thereby preventing further loss of life, illness,
and setbacks to livelihoods, as well as augmenting the efficiency of resource use. This case
demonstrates the potential benefits to be realised from the use of medium-to-long-range forecasts
in disaster management, especially in the context of potential increases in extreme weather
and climate-related events due to climate variability and change. However, harnessing the full
potential of these forecasts will require continued effort and collaboration among disaster managers,
climate service providers, and major humanitarian donors.
Keywords: climate, disaster, early warning, flood, preparedness, seasonal forecast