Southern African nations have seen a rise in the frequency, severity, and effect of drought and flood events since 2000.

Development Diaries reports that risks associated with water resources, fires, agriculture, and food security are predicted to rise as a result of climate change in the region.

This is why the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in recognition of the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, has called on the international community to intensify efforts to mitigate the impacts of disasters in member states.

A total of 15 nations make up the SADC: Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

The SADC region continues to contend with the havoc brought on by disasters which frequently cause fatalities and significant property and infrastructure loss.

More than two million people were affected by the devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy between February and March 2023, claiming 1,400 lives in Madagascar, Malawi, and Mozambique.

Due to the extensive damage the cyclone did to property, infrastructure, and environmental assets, there is an increased demand for post-disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

It is predicted that between 01 April 2023 and 31 March, 2024, 37.5 million people in eight SADC member states will experience food insecurity due to the complex interactions between persistent structural problems and recent shocks, according to the SADC.

In order to guarantee that everyone has access to disaster risk management services, the region’s complexity calls for stronger and better coordinated regional efforts to mitigate disaster risk.

Development Diaries calls on ministries and ministers responsible for disaster risk management in the SADC region to ensure coordinated disaster prevention and mitigation plans and programmes for the region.

Photo source: Gabinete Secretario Estado Proteção Civil