EI Malawi: The First to Use ICT in DRR early warning systems in Mangochi
In an effort to enhance the flow of information on weather and disaster related issues, Emmanuel international Malawi through its disaster risk reduction component under the USAID-Titukulane project, is incorporating the use of ICT in disaster early warning systems.
Emmanuel International Malawi has distributed mobile smart phones worth over Sixty Million Kwacha to Village and Area Civil Protection Committees (VCPCs & ACPCs) in the project’s catchment areas in Mangochi district.
Speaking after one of the presentation ceremonies, the project’s Disaster risk management and resilience coordinator, Edson Ndalama, said the mobile phones will not only assist in dissemination of early warning messages across the district, but also allow government and Titukulane officials attain information as disasters strike, which in turn will allow them to organize early assistance as needed.
When asked on the mode of communication that will be used, he explained that a Whatsapp group has been created where all the leaders who have received the mobile phones have been added, and everyone is encouraged to post relevant information pertaining to disaster risk management and weather forecast, and any developmental works happening with the funding from Titukulane. Since the smartphones have the ability to capture high quality photos, the group members are being encouraged to narrate their stories on the forum with photos supplement their stories.
According to the district officials, this is the first time Mangochi has received such an innovation and they are positive this will help in many ways.