Mozambique’s Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework for Cyclones

The document details Mozambique’s anticipatory action and early response framework for cyclones. It focuses on triggers, action plans, and funding to assist millions affected by cyclones. The framework aims to coordinate timely responses to deliver essential services across six provinces, utilizing a collaborative approach to enhance resilience against natural disasters.

The document outlines Mozambique’s framework for anticipatory action (AA) and early response (ER) in relation to cyclones. This framework includes trigger mechanisms, action plans, and pre-arranged financing for humanitarian initiatives. Mozambique frequently faces cyclones, affecting millions; thus, this comprehensive approach aims to provide timely assistance to vulnerable populations across six provinces.

Mozambique, particularly the coastal regions, experiences severe cyclones, impacting over five million people since 2017. The cyclone threat poses significant economic challenges, with increasing cyclone frequency and intensity. The initiative’s objective is to coordinate timely responses to protect individuals at risk in the provinces of Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambezia, Sofala, Inhambane, and Gaza.

A participatory process, led by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, facilitated the framework’s development in collaboration with OCHA Mozambique and a technical working group. The triggers for activity activation include readiness, action, and observational categories, based on storm forecasts and rainfall measurements.

The action plan emphasizes clear communication of risks, engagement with communities, preparation of temporary accommodation centers, provision of shelter and hygiene products, and access to essential services, mainly focusing on lessons learned from previous cyclone responses. Agencies will implement these actions within two to four weeks post-landfall.

Pre-arranged funding includes $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), designated for food security, shelter, health, and logistics, among others. Additional resources from the World Food Programme (WFP) will support anticipatory actions for the upcoming cyclone season, ensuring effective response measures are in place.

The framework presents valuable opportunities for learning, as partners will conduct monitoring exercises and reviews to gather insights for future enhancements. The commitment to a collective learning approach underscores the importance of continual improvement in disaster response strategies.

Cyclones pose a significant threat to Mozambique, especially in coastal regions where a significant portion of the population resides. These natural disasters lead to humanitarian crises, prompting the need for an organized response framework. The framework outlined seeks to address the prevalent challenges associated with cyclone preparedness and response through collaboration among various stakeholders, ensuring that timely assistance reaches those most affected.

In summary, Mozambique’s anticipatory action and early response framework aims to enhance preparedness and response to cyclones through clearly defined triggers, structured action plans, and secured funding. This coordinated approach is designed to provide timely and effective support to those affected, based on lessons learned from past experiences. Continuous monitoring and adaptive strategies will further strengthen future actions against cyclone impacts.

Original Source: reliefweb.int