The four southern African countries affected by cyclones Idai and Kenneth still account for losses and seek to build resilient strategies after major human and material losses. During a three-day meeting this week in Harare, Zimbabwe, representatives of the governments of these countries analyzed the status of climate information services in the region and sought to develop concrete actions for economic activities, ecosystems, human settlements and weatherproof physical infrastructure. climate changes.
“Southern Africa needs to act now and build capacity within the Member States to urgently build the resilience of the region’s economies, infrastructure, ecosystems and communities so that they can withstand the impacts of climate change,” said the Minister of Land, Zimbabwe Agriculture and Rural Resettlement, Perrance Shiri.
“We, from the Interior, work with climate and climate monitoring organizations, disaster preparedness and risk reduction units to strengthen our national and regional strategies for generating and sharing reliable climate information,” said Zimbabwe’s Deputy Home Affairs Minister. , Mike Madiro, who also attended the event.
“We need strong early warning systems to provide critical data to prepare for droughts, floods and storms and save lives and minimize economic damage,” he adds.
James Murombedzi, head of ECA’s African Climate Policy Center (ACPC, in turn) noted that climate change was accelerating and an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather and climate events was expected. “ACPC is committed to working with governments and partners in the SADC region to support initiatives to develop best practices, build capacity, mobilize resources for climate resilient development in the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, assistance to cyclone victims still continues. “The community is almost healthy again, but more than 400 families are still working on rebuilding or repairing their homes. They are concerned about finishing construction in time before the rainy season and building stronger houses that won’t fall, “said Josefina Ambassi, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Chipene village in Nampula, Mozambique.
According to IOM, 24,036 people were moved to five accommodation centers and one transition center. IOM’s recovery efforts in Cabo Delgado province include supporting 3,000 families to rebuild more durable homes and rehabilitating primary schools and a health clinic in the heavily affected coastal area of Mucojo. The efforts receive collaboration from the country’s government and humanitarian partners.