South Sudan launches early warning system

South Sudan has witnessed the worst flooding in 60 years. (Floodlist photo)

South Sudan on Monday launched an early warning system for all to mitigate the effects of natural disasters and climate change.

The system aims to reduce the impacts of climate-related risks by enhancing early warning systems and community resilience.

The Early Warnings for All Initiative (EW4All) was formally launched by the UN Secretary-General in November 2022 at the COP27 meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh.

The Initiative calls for the whole world to be covered by an early warning system by the end of 2027.

Speaking during the launch of the early warning system in Juba on Monday, Albino Akol Atak, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, said the system will help communities to mitigate disaster effects.

“This situation is evidence that we need to invest in robust integrated multi-hazard early warning systems to help us reduce and address impacts of multiple hazards,” he said.

According to the minister, the information will help the government to make decisions early enough to reduce the impacts of disasters.

“We all need effective early warning systems as one of those well-proven, effective disaster risk adaptation and climate adaption measures that inform the community to prepare them to save lives and livelihood,” Akol added.

For his part, George Otoo, the Representative of UN Resident Coordinator in South Sudan, said the country is among 13 African countries to benefit from the USD 3.1 billion unveiled by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to tackle the impacts of climate change for the next five years.

“The UN’s plan for this global early warning system will be funded by USD 3.1 billion over the next five years,” he revealed. “It is also highly welcoming that South Sudan is listed as one of 13 countries in Africa that will benefit from this important initiative.”