Mozambique’s life-saving Early Warning Systems
In March 2019, Cyclone Idai tore through Central Mozambique with winds reaching up to 195 kilometres per hour (km/h), causing catastrophic flooding and widespread devastation. Over 600 lives were lost, and economic damages were estimated at US$ 3 billion, damaging schools, health facilities, infrastructure, energy and transport systems.
Cyclone Idai was a stark wake-up call about the urgent need for a strong Early Warning System (EWS). Supported by the United Nations and the World Bank’s US$ 265 million Disaster Risk Management and Resilience Program, Mozambique developed a comprehensive EWS, embracing cutting-edge technology, resilient infrastructure and a coordinated emergency preparedness and response framework. Meteorological warnings, based on forecasts using satellite imagery and data from the surface observational network, were disseminated through community radio stations and trained volunteers.
Fast forward to 2023, when Cyclone Freddy – the longest-lasting tropical cyclone on record – battered central Mozambique not once, but twice, with wind speeds reaching 230 km/h. This time, the story was different. Communities were prepared and were moved to safety with sufficient supplies of food and water ahead of the event. The death toll was less than 200 and economic damages were estimated at US$ 500 million, an astonishing 83% reduction compared to Idai.
There are numerous other success stories from all over the globe of the immense benefits of early warnings. These only scratch the surface of the long-term advantages that WMO science can provide.