SADC faces humanitarian crisis as natural disasters threaten region

MINISTER of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe has told the SADC Committee of Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management (DRM) that the region is threatened by human and natural disasters, whose frequency poses a humanitarian crisis.

Minister Garwe who is the Chairperson of the Committee of SADC Ministers Responsible for Disaster Risk Management said it is imperative to improve disaster risk management systems in the region.

He said climate change policy must be prioritised.

Investment, said Minister Garwe, in resilience building is key as all efforts should made so that no one and no place is left behind.

Minister Garwe chronicled numerous devastating disasters that have affected the region in the past.

In recent decades, the SADC Region has experienced more frequent and severe droughts, floods, and cyclones linked to climate change, leading to food insecurity and significant socio-economic impacts.

In 2020, Cyclone Idai, recorded as one of the worst tropical storms to ever affect Africa and the southern hemisphere, claimed hundreds of lives and left a trail of destruction, including severe damage to key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools and health facilities.

At least three of the countries in the region – Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe have declared the drought situation, a state of disaster.