United Kingdom (UK) government has urged authorities in the country to invest more in disaster preparedness and early warning systems to break the recurring cycle of emergency responses to floods.
Acting High Commissioner and Development Director for the British High Commission, Ben Nicholson, made the call during a joint field visit to flood-affected areas in Chikwawa district.
Nicholson emphasised the need for proactive climate early warning systems, hence working in partnership with the government of Malawi to improve on disaster preparedness through the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services.
Aachal Chand, Head of Programme for the World Food Programme (WFP) in Malawi, stressed the importance of building resilience at both household and community levels, saying the development will be critical to reducing the impact of natural disasters.
According to the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), 24,832 households have been affected by the recent floods in Chikwawa, with 9 deaths reported.
The British High Commission, through the UKAID and WFP, are supporting government efforts in humanitarian response and long-term resilience building in the affected areas.
By George Banda
