The government has appealed to CIMA Research Foundation, the Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) and the United Nations Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) to collaborate in implementing an early warning system for disasters in Zambia.
Speaking during a workshop on Disaster Risk Profiles, the Minister in the Office of the Vice President, Olipa Phiri, said the disaster warning system will enhance data sharing with stakeholders including the affected communities.
Mrs Phiri added that this will be in line with the risk profiles that provide a comprehensive picture of the likelihood and impact of floods and droughts in the country.
The risk profiles also enhance internal coordination efforts to prevent, mitigate and respond to such disaster risks and by promoting the integration of scientific risk information into decision-making processes.
She explained.
The minister further said a report from the 2017 risk profiles showed that the key sectors that will be highly affected by climate change in Zambia include Agriculture, Food, Security, Energy, Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, Nutrition and infrastructure.
Mrs Phiri said this is mainly attributed to the increase in frequency and magnitude of extreme weather events.
The increased occurrence of floods will result in increased economic losses and response cost.
She added.
The Disaster Risk Profiles were introduced in 2017 by DMMU, CIMA Research Foundation and UNDRR to provide information on all the disasters in Zambia and possible ways to prevent them.