Malawi to host disaster risk management symposium
Dyke in Zomba protecting LIkangala Irrigation scheme
Malawi has taken a decisive step in addressing its vulnerability to climate-related shocks by hosting a high-level Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Symposium.
The event, organized under the Malawi Resilience and Disaster Risk Management Project (MRDRMP), serves as a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for combating the devastating impact of natural disasters that have plagued the nation.
The symposium’s focus aligns with the pressing need for a proactive approach to disaster preparedness. Over the last decade, Malawi has experienced severe climatic events, including the 2015 floods, the 2016 drought tied to El Niño, and most recently, Tropical Cyclone Freddy in 2023.
These disasters have caused significant loss of life and economic damage, with Cyclone Freddy alone impacting 2.5 million people, resulting in over 600 deaths and losses exceeding $506.7 million.
“Malawi’s development progress has been undermined by recurring climate shocks. The symposium presents an opportunity to transition from reactive disaster responses to proactive preparedness,” said Elias Chimlambe, Chairperson of the MRDRMP Steering Committee.
He emphasized that the DRM Act of 2023 provides a robust framework for integrated disaster response and long-term resilience building.
The symposium also showcases findings from critical studies under the MRDRMP and similar initiatives. These studies aim to inform future investments and enhance government planning for disaster risk management.
Chimlambe noted, “Our goal is to consolidate knowledge, foster collaboration, and create actionable strategies that improve resilience in Malawi.”
The event slated for Monday to Wednesday next week, encourages the participation of diverse stakeholders, including government departments, disaster risk management practitioners, urban planners, the private sector, development partners, and academia.
“Collaboration is key to building a resilient Malawi,” added Chimlambe.
The symposium’s expected outcomes include a comprehensive action plan and strengthened capacities for disaster risk management at both national and regional levels.
It also aims to establish dynamic communities of practice to promote knowledge exchange and collaborative solutions for resilience planning.
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