Speaking at an event organised by the Government of Japan, entitled ‘Universal access to disaster warning information: Perspectives from the Pacific’ Ms Mizutori said: “Factors such as power dynamics, knowledge, culture, social status and family dynamics often determine whether people pay attention and heed early warnings, and take early action to protect their lives and livelihoods. By engaging communities in the development of the early warning systems from the beginning, many of these challenges can be addressed.”

Enhanced monitoring systems, climate forecasting, mobile phone technology and internet connectivity are all contributing to more timely and accurate alerts to hazards, delegates heard.

Innovative examples include solar-powered satellite communications in Tuvalu used to warn isolated populations of cyclones, storm surges and tsunamis; and a multi-hazard warning system that reaches 362 villages in Samoa, blending new technology with traditional knowledge.

Ms. Mizutori told delegates: “Enhanced early warning systems are only effective if they lead to early responses and this depends largely on how communities receive and react to early warning messages."

UNISDR, the World Bank and the World Meteorological Organization have partnered on Climate Risk and Early Warning Systems or CREWS which has led to wave and coastal inundation forecasting for Kiribati and Tuvalu.

“Preventing Disaster Risk: Protecting Sustainable Development” is the theme of the upcoming 2018 Asian Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, from 03 to 06 July, co-organized by the Government of Mongolia and UNISDR.

Date:

17 May 2018

Sources:

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction - Regional Office for Asia and Pacific (UNISDR AP)

Themes:

Early Warning, Disaster Risk Management

Countries:

Kiribati, Mongolia, Samoa, Tuvalu

Regions:

Asia, Oceania