Early‑Warning Activation for Weather Hazards Is Not Within the INM’s Mandate, Says Transport Ministry
“The triggering of an early‑warning system for meteorological hazards does not fall under the prerogatives of the National Institute of Meteorology (INM),” the Ministry of Transport declared in a written response to a parliamentary question posed by Deputy Syrine Mrabet.
Key Points from the Ministry’s Statement
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No authority to launch early‑warning alerts – The INM is not empowered to decide on the activation of a comprehensive early‑warning mechanism, nor to assess on‑the‑ground impacts of weather disturbances, nor to take operational or intervention measures.
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Integrated national system – Such responsibilities belong to a national integrated system that brings together multiple sectors and institutions, especially public bodies tasked with the prevention and management of natural disasters.
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INM’s defined role – In line with its statutory missions, the INM’s activities are limited to:
- Observing atmospheric phenomena
- Producing forecasts
- Disseminating technical meteorological bulletins and advisories, such as vigilance maps.
Context
The clarification comes amid ongoing discussions in parliament about the effectiveness of Tunisia’s public‑transport sector and the need for stronger oversight mechanisms. The Ministry’s response underscores that while the INM provides essential weather data, the operational decision‑making for early‑warning activation rests with other governmental entities within the broader disaster‑risk management framework.
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Source: La Presse (18 Feb 2026)
