Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo [email protected]
THE Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife is this Thursday set to join other stakeholders in launching the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) Initiative in Mutare, Manicaland Province, as Zimbabwe steps up efforts to strengthen its preparedness and response to climate-related disasters.
The initiative seeks to ensure that every person in Zimbabwe has access to timely, accurate and actionable early warning information to help protect lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and communities from weather- and climate-related hazards.
The launch comes at a time when climate change is increasingly contributing to the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, placing communities and critical infrastructure at greater risk.
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Ministry said strengthening early warning systems was critical in ensuring that communities were better prepared to respond to disasters.
“As climate change continues to intensify the frequency and severity of weather and climate-related hazards, strengthening early warning systems is critical to protecting lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and communities,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry said the launch would mark an important milestone in strengthening the country’s capacity in disaster risk knowledge, detection, monitoring and forecasting, warning dissemination and communication, as well as preparedness to respond to emergencies. Technical institutions, communities and other stakeholders to ensure that early warning information reaches those most at risk.
“The launch of the EW4All Initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Zimbabwe’s capacity in disaster risk knowledge; detection, monitoring and forecasting; warning dissemination and communication; and preparedness to respond,” said the Ministry.
The Ministry said it remained committed to fostering strong partnerships and investing in people-centred, multi-hazard early warning systems that enable communities to anticipate risks, take early action and build resilience.
The EW4All initiative is aimed at ensuring that early warning information is not only generated, but also effectively communicated and acted upon by communities before disasters strike.
The Ministry emphasised the importance of translating early warnings into early action, particularly as Zimbabwe continues to face risks associated with extreme weather and climate variability.
“Early warning saves lives. Early action builds resilience. Together, let us build a safer, resilient and climate-ready Zimbabwe,” said the Ministry.
