Southern African Nations Convene to Boost El Niño Disaster Preparedness

Representatives from Southern African countries, along with regional and international disaster-management bodies, began a four-day meeting in Johannesburg to enhance coordination for the anticipated El Niño effects during the 2026/27 rainy season. The SADC Disaster Preparedness and Response Planning Workshop focuses on bolstering regional disaster-risk reduction, anticipatory action, and rapid response to emerging humanitarian threats.

Climate outlooks predict below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures across much of the region, raising drought risks while some northern zones may see more rain. Pumeza Tyali of South Africa's National Disaster Management Centre emphasized reviewing contingency plans and safeguarding women, children and persons with disabilities. Manuel Lutango of the SADC Secretariat argued that pre-emptive investment, as highlighted by the World Bank, is more cost-effective than reactive aid. The workshop aims to produce a set of recommendations on preparedness measures, resource needs and funding mobilization before concluding on Friday.