The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary General Celeste Saulo says the implementation of the Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems (CREWS) project is key to reducing the vulnerability of communities to climate hazards in Malawi.
Speaking on Wednesday in Blantyre during the launch of the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services’ (DCCMC) 10-year Strategic Plan, Saulo said these systems enable communities to prevent and prepare for disasters to save lives and property.
She said: “The project supports Malawi to have early warning systems in place. This is crucial to empowering communities’ resilience to the effects of climate change, and protects the well-being, livelihoods, and safety of Malawians.”
In her remarks, the guest of honor, Minister of Natural Resources, Patricia Wiskes, said the strategic plan will enhance the country’s response to natural disasters through forecasting and mobilizing resources for accurate predictions.
“The plan is expected to attract over $40 million in funding to improve services and support efforts on resilience. Timely weather updates enable farmers to protect crops, reduce loss of property, save lives during extreme weather events thereby strengthening Malawi’s climate resilience,” she said.
The United Nations Development Programme resident representative, Fenella Frost, said there is a need to protect the equipment for the sustainable delivery of early warning messages to communities.
“The equipment should be owned, protected from vandalism, and maintained for communities to keep having these vital systems,” she said.
By Michael Chiotcha
