Malawi to launch disaster risk handbook
Malawians will now be able to easily understand key concepts of disaster risk management, thanks to a handbook that government’s Department of Disaster Management is expected to launch next week on Monday in Lilongwe.
According to secretary and commissioner of disaster affairs Jeffrey Kanyinji, the handbook has been developed to be used in disaster risk management efforts.
“It focuses on vulnerable households and communities to assist them in managing disaster risks,” he said.
He adds that the handbook provides information on what should be done at household, community, district and national levels in terms of mitigating, preparing for, responding to and recovering from disasters.
The handbook also focuses on the key hazards that Malawi is exposed to.
Among others, they include floods, earthquakes, hailstorm, accidents, fire, civil disorders, drought and landslides.
With the inclusion of disaster risk management in the school curriculum, the handbook can be used as reference tool by educators and learners at all levels.
“As Malawi joins the rest of the world in ensuring that there is a change in focus from disaster response to risk management, this handbook is expected to help those in the implementation of disaster risk management programmes and projects at different levels in capacity building, awareness raising and sensitisation campaigns,” said Kanyinji.
