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The ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC), African Center of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), Intergovernmental Authority on Development-Climate Prediction and Applications Center (IGAD-ICPAC), United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR ), International Center for Environmental Monitoring (CIMA Research Foundation), Italy and the Government of Italy inaugurated the Multi-Hazard Early Warming Systems (WHEWS) for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja, Nigeria on June 15, 2023.
The Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems will support ECOWAS in accessing, exchanging, monitoring and analyzing disaster risk reduction data and information across the region. An essential part of disaster risk reduction, MHEWS aims to prevent the loss of life and reduce the impact of natural hazardous events, such as disasters occurring simultaneously, cascading, or cumulatively over time. Dissemination and communication of threat alerts are critical to proper preparedness and response by organizations, at-risk communities and the public.
In her welcome speech, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs, ECOWAS Commission, said that the increasing frequency and unpredictability of environmental disasters are a significant obstacle on the road to sustainable development, as more than 75 million people in the region faces serious food insecurity. Professor Sow Sarr noted that a new approach to tackling these disasters requires sound risk management, supported by preparedness, mitigation and mitigation measures. She thanked the Government of Italy and other partners for their support in setting up the ECOWAS Disaster Operations Centre, which will greatly contribute to supporting the region.
Other dignitaries who delivered messages of goodwill at the inauguration include HE Stefano De Leo, the Italian Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, HE Madam Mami Mizutori, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Disaster Risk Reduction ( UNDRR) and Prof. Luca Ferraris from CIMA Research Foundation, Italy.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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