ESCAP/WMO TYPHOON COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT (TCS)

a)     to advise and assist countries in the international exchange of meteorological and hydrological data, distribution of typhoon forecasts and warnings;

b)     to advise and assist countries in the operation and improvement of meteorological observing networks, telecommunication systems and facilities as required for typhoon forecasting and warning, including storm surge forecasting;

c)     to advise and assist countries in the operation and improvement of existing and new hydrological stations required for flood forecasts and warnings;

d)     to advise countries on arrangements for the most effective means of disseminating typhoon and flood warnings within the country and to assist in organizing measures for the improvement of community preparedness and disaster prevention;

e)     to advise and assist countries in organizing their programmes of training and research in typhoon forecasting and warning, hydrology and flood control measures;

f)      to keep under constant review and circulate information on the progress achieved in the latest research studies relating to typhoons, storm surge and flood forecasting;

g)     to encourage and to promote cooperation in research activity aimed at gaining a better understanding of typhoons and, hence, at improving forecasting methods;

h)     o conduct, under specific instructions from the Typhoon Committee, studies on such specific problems concerning typhoons as would facilitate carrying out more effectively the advisory functions stipulated under (a) to (e) with a view to supporting the action programme.

i)      to assist the countries, on request, in the preparation of applications for technical, financial and other assistance for typhoon damage control.

j)      to publish the Typhoon Committee Newsletter once a year;