Government, UN launches early warning system to mitigate disaster

By Awan Achiek

The government and the United Nations on Monday launched early warning system for mitigation of natural disasters.

Albino Akol Atak, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management said the early warning system will help prevent or reduce risks of disaster.

 “We need to invest in robust integrated multi-hazard early warning system to help us reduce drastic impact of multiple hazards,” Akol said during the launch of the early warning system in Juba.

He said the initiative will ensure timely and accurate information to the public about natural hazards and impending disasters.

“All these require one unit system to significantly avoid displacement, food insecurity, human and livestock disasters, crop pest, loss of lives and destruction of livelihood and damages caused by these climatic events in South Sudan,” he said.

Akol added that the early warning system will adequately prepare for natural disasters to reduce cost incurred after disasters.

John Lobor, Secretary General of South Sudan Red Cross said their staff and volunteers are working closely with communities to raise awareness about the importance of early warning system.

George Otoo, Representative of UN Resident Coordinator said South Sudan will benefit from the $3.1 billion pool on climate change mitigation unveiled by UN Secretary General, Antonio Gutterres.

 “It is also highly welcoming that South Sudan is listed as one of 13 countries in Africa that will benefit from this important initiative,” Otoo said.

The Early Warning for All Initiative (EW4All) was formally launched by the UN Secretary-General in November 2022 at the COP27 meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh. The Initiative calls for the whole world to be covered by an early warning system by the end of 2027.