Pathways for effective emergency response systems to extreme weather-related disasters in Malawi

Like many other Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, Malawi is increasingly more susceptible to natural disasters brought on by extreme weather.

Floods, droughts, and cyclones have become more frequent and intense throughout the country, especially in the Southern region, as a result of climate change. The Malawi Government and its partners have worked to develop an effective emergency response systems, yet gaps remain.

Current Emergency Response Systems: strengths and limitations

The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA), housed within the Office of the President and Cabinet, is principally responsible for overseeing Malawi's emergency response system. DoDMA works with international partners including the United Nations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and local community structures to coordinate disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities. While the Meteorological Department offers weather forecasts and early warnings, the Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) is equally essential in tracking food security and forecasting droughts.

Despite these efforts, the system faces significant challenges. One major issue is the limited capacity for rapid response. Malawi's infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, is weak, and transportation networks are often cut off during floods, delaying relief efforts. This lack of connectivity hampers the coordination between local authorities, the central government, and relief organizations. A case in point is Cyclone Freddy, an unusually long-lasting and powerful tropical cyclone, that hit southern Malawi in early 2023, causing extensive flooding. The Republic of Tanzania had to come to Malawi’s rescue by providing helicopter which played a crucial role in providing relief items and rescuing victims in hard-to-reach areas.

Funding constraints also limit the effectiveness of Malawi’s disaster response. While the government allocates some resources for disaster preparedness and response, these funds are often insufficient, especially when disasters occur in rapid succession. On the other hand, some concerned citizens feel that corruption by public officers frustrate the already shrinking pulse. This perception was evident in the 2023 Cyclone Freddy where many well-wishers opted to channel their assistance through the country’s renowned human rights activists and social media influencers. That was a clear vote of no confidence on the part of public officers, which is very unfortunate.

Several recent disasters reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the current system. During the 2019 floods in southern Malawi, early warnings from the Meteorological Department enabled some level of community preparedness, but the response was hindered by poor infrastructure and limited emergency stocks. Rescue operations, led by the Malawi Defense Force and other agencies, were often delayed due to impassable roads and a lack of resources.

Pathways to an Effective Emergency Response System

The first step in an effective emergency response is the ability to predict and communicate the occurrence of extreme weather events. Malawi needs to invest in the expansion and modernization of its meteorological systems, leveraging technology such as satellite data and mobile networks to improve accuracy and reach. Additionally, strengthening the dissemination of warnings through community radio, mobile phones, and traditional leaders can ensure that vulnerable populations receive timely and actionable information. Research indicates that early warning systems can reduce disaster-related fatalities by up to 50% when effectively implemented .

Secondly, Infrastructure resilience is key to mitigating the impact of extreme weather events. In Malawi, investments should focus on flood defenses, such as dykes and drainage systems in flood-prone areas, as well as drought-resistant agricultural practices. Moreover, post-disaster infrastructure recovery should prioritize rebuilding using climate-resilient materials and techniques. A World Bank study found that every $1 spent on resilient infrastructure saves $4 in disaster recovery costs . To this end, Malawi can collaborate with international partners, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which supports capacity-building for resilient infrastructure in disaster-prone areas.

There is also an urgent need to enhance institutional coordination. An effective response to disasters requires a well-coordinated effort among all stakeholders, including government agencies, international donors, NGOs, and local communities. The Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) in Malawi plays a central role, but it must be further empowered to lead and coordinate efforts across different levels of governance.

Establishing clear protocols for disaster response and fostering collaboration through regular training and simulations can enhance preparedness. Case studies from other countries, such as Bangladesh, show the importance of having a centralized disaster response body to coordinate actions, particularly at the community level . Malawi could adopt a similar approach, ensuring that all stakeholders, including local authorities, are equipped to respond swiftly and efficiently.

Empowering communities to prepare for and respond to disasters is crucial for long-term resilience. Community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM) initiatives, which involve training local volunteers, conducting evacuation drills, and developing local response plans, have proven effective in various disaster-prone regions globally. In Malawi, organizations like the Red Cross have implemented community-based DRR programs, but these need to be expanded to cover more regions and better integrate local knowledge and practices.

Lastly, leveraging international cooperation and funding is of paramount importance. Malawi’s capacity to respond to extreme weather events can be significantly enhanced through international cooperation. Access to international climate funds, such as the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), can help finance large-scale disaster preparedness projects. Additionally, partnerships with regional bodies like the African Union and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) can provide technical expertise and foster regional resilience strategies.

Conclusion

Malawi’s current emergency response systems have shown both strengths and limitations in dealing with extreme weather-related disasters. While there is a solid framework in place, Malawi must invest in strengthening its early warning systems, empowering local communities, and enhancing coordination and communication. By addressing these gaps, Malawi can move towards a more agile and efficient emergency response system, ultimately saving lives and protecting livelihoods in the face of climate change-induced disasters.

References

1. UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). (2019). Early Warning Systems: A Key to Reducing Disaster Mortality. Retrieved from https://www.undrr.org/
2. The World Bank. (2019). Lifelines: The Resilient Infrastructure Opportunity. Washington, DC: World Bank Group.
3. Paul, B. K. (2009). Why relatively fewer people died? The case of Bangladesh’s Cyclone Sidr. Natural Hazards, 50(2), 289-304.
4. IFRC (International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). (2018). Effective community disaster risk management practices. Retrieved from https://www.ifrc.org/
5. Southern African Development Community (SADC). (2020). Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Plan. Retrieved from https://www.sadc.int/