Programme to bolster disaster response
Municipalities hope to minimise loss of life and injuries
uMgungundlovu District Municipality (UDM) hosted a five-day programme to help municipalities respond to natural disaster.
The Integrated Climate Driven Multi-Hazard Early Warning System Outreach Programme was held in various parts of the district, and meant to arm municipalities with information to minimise loss of life and injuries during disastrous weather conditions.
District spokesperson Brian Zuma said the idea was the brainchild of the South African Weather Services (Saws) and was attended by community members and pupils.
“The workshop marks a significant advance towards climate resilience in three district municipalities where the District Integrated Climate-Driven Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (ICMHEWS) Project, funded by the government of Flanders in Belgium, and partnered with the South African Weather Service, is being implemented.
“This workshop was organised in collaboration with the UDM, which is one of the project sites. The collaboration with the district underscores the shared dedication to enhancing the understanding of weather risks, improving preparedness for extreme weather events, and strengthening community resilience to the impact of climate change. Through this project, an early warning system specifically tailored to address the distinct climate risks and hazards faced by the district municipality is being presented,” said Zuma.
He said the specific objectives of this project are, among others, public education and awareness of risks; improved dissemination of impact-based messages and warnings, and facilitating a constant state of preparedness and enabled early action as well as monitoring and evaluation.
“The key features are enhancing risk knowledge for extreme weather readiness and resilience. People should stay informed about climate risks in their areas follow safety instructions during extreme weather events and participate in community preparedness activities. The municipality plays a crucial role in this workshop and therefore its insights, resources, and leadership were vital to ensuring the workshop’s relevance and success,” he said.
Msunduzi disaster manager Thabisile Ntuli said they benefitted from the workshop and encouraged those who attended to share information in their communities.
“We benefitted in that early warnings are part of saving lives and minimising harm. We struggle a lot during disasters with people not knowing the warning signs while others have not shared the little information they have with their neighbours. People need to understand what the warnings mean.
“Out of our 41 wards, we usually lose over 1 000 households during a disaster. This workshop will reduce such loss and lives will be spared if warnings are understood. Schools will also see a drop in drownings especially those with pupils who have to cross rivers,” said Ntuli.