The occurrence of natural and human-induced disasters is on the increase due to many factors including climate change, rapid population growth, urbanisation and governance challenges. Governments around the world have committed to take action to reduce disaster risks, and have adopted a guideline to reduce vulnerabilities to natural hazards, called the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA). The HFA assists the efforts of nations and communities to become more resilient to, and cope better with the hazards that threaten their development gains.

OCHA ROSA supports Member States and relevant international and regional stakeholders, to identify, assess and monitor disaster risks and enhance early warning and preparedness for effective response to all disasters in the region.

 

In order to strengthen the capacity of UN agencies, governments, and other humanitarian partners to respond more effectively to emergencies, ROSA provides countries in the region with a minimum package of preparedness such as monitoring of early warning systems, facilitating contingency planning, data readiness and mapping of existing vulnerabilities and potential risks.

 

In addition, ROSA plays a lead role in pandemic planning, especially in non-health sectors. Table-top exercise and simulations are used to test plans and improve preparedness.

 

At a regional level, ROSA is committed to strengthening regional partnerships and cooperation on enhanced preparedness and response through the Regional Inter-Agency Standing Coordination Office (RIACSO), comprised of UN agencies, international Non-Governmental Organizations, academic institutions, etc. as well as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

More specifically, ROSA preparedness assistance rendered to national authorities includes:

OCHA ROSA Strengthens Disaster Preparedness and Response Plans for the Region: 

The Regional Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs for Southern Africa (OCHA ROSA) continues to advocate for improved disaster preparedness and response acitivites to deal with natural disasters. In so doing, over the past several months, OCHA ROSA has assisted countries develop and / or revise their Contingency Plans.

This table presents information on country preparedness to hazards. It shows information on both the Inter-Agency Standing Committees (comprised of UN agencies and NGOs) and Governments. The table uses the Global Focus Model to identify the hazards experienced by countries and the level of risk is scored. The higher the score the greater the risk. The table also shows whether the IASC / UN Country Team and government contingency plans adress these hazards.  The Global Focus Model scores a country’s risk by weighing the following parameters: