Poor skills and inadequate infrastructure have been the main causes of inaccurate weather forecasts in the last few years, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Pham Khoi Nguyen has said.

He was speaking at a national conference of weather forecasters held by the ministry in Hanoi Thursday.

The conference reviewed the performance of the hydrometeorology department and discussed the problems it faces.  

Mr. Nguyen blamed the National Hydrometeorology Forecast Center’s  inefficiency on the lack of hydrometeorology schools and, thus, skilled professionals, and obsolete equipment.

“The center has not made the best use of its finances and its efficiency has been below expectations.

“Its operation must be reorganized and improved as soon as possible.”

Asked by the media if individual officers would be taken to task for their wrong forecasts recently, Mr. Nguyen said his ministry is considering the issue.

Bui Van Duc, general director of the center, said to improve its efficiency, the center plans to acquire new technologies, revamp its personnel, spell out individuals’ accountability, and improve human resource quality.