Climate Change: Coping with the Humanitarian Impact
Mozambique – Preparedness in action
“The magnitude of the cyclone and floods (together with drought conditions in the south of the country, which have not been part of the UN humanitarian response) all point to the effects of global warming. These natural disasters are growing more frequent and more severe with time, highlighting the importance of national preparedness to reduce the vulnerability of the population to such events and minimize their impact.”
- Crosgrave, J. et al. Inter-agency real-time evaluation of the response to the
February 2007 floods and cyclone in Mozambique, 2007
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Floods swept over central Mozambique following torrential rain in December 2007 and January 2008. A rapid response ensured that few lives were lost. [Photo credit: WFP/Richard Lee]
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In Mozambique there were three ingredients that contributed to the successful response:
- Strong national leadership and political commitment to preparedness;
- Availability of resources, technical support and funds for preparedness;
- Active involvement of communities, civil society and agencies in preparedness measures.
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