Early warning systems to minimise drought risks

The Meteorological Services Department is working on developing an Early Warning System Network to curb drought and natural disasters risk, an official has said.

Speaking at the Zimbabwe National Climate Outlook Forum held last week, MSD services’ director Dr Amos Makarau said work is in progress and much ground is expected to have been covered by January 2016. There has been a consistent record of floods and cyclones in some of Zimbabwe’s lowveld areas but the establishment of early warning systems can go a long way in assisting these communities.

“We want to establish early warning systems to minimise risks, we are working on it and we are getting there,” he said.

According to research, early warning is a major element of disaster risk reduction as it prevents loss of life and reduces the economic and material impact of disasters.

To be effective, early warning systems need to actively involve the communities at risk, facilitate public education and awareness of risks, effectively disseminate alerts and warnings and ensure that there is constant preparedness.

According to a research conducted by Patrick Gwimbi, an expert in Geography and Environmental Studies, early warning systems are in place but not effective.

“The current early warning communication is a one-way process, with those issuing warnings not fully aware of the needs and priorities of vulnerable communities, and therefore not responsive to their needs,” Gwimbi said at the turn of the millennium when he conducted the research.

“Warning information is poorly disseminated to poor communities with limited capacity to respond. The absence of preparedness plans for evacuation, and over-dependence on rain-fed agriculture by locals hamper the implementation of early warning systems.

“As a recommendation, there is need for those issuing warning information to acquire more information themselves about how communities perceive risk, and the reasons that underlie their behaviour when floods threaten them.”

Nevertheless, since the time that the research was carried out, the situation remains pretty much the same.