Narrative Report: Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices on Flood Early Warnings and Early Action among local communities in Zomba and Phalombe, Malawi

Compounded by climate change, Malawi has been a victim of repetitive hydro-meteorological disasters, notably floods and droughts, triggering widespread destruction and health risks in the country. Dry spells have caused multiple seasons of crop failure, and storms, cyclones and extreme rain have caused intense flooding in 2015, 2019, twice in 2022, and most recently after Tropical Cyclone Freddy in March 2023. Malawi Red Cross Society (MRCS) has been implementing an Anticipatory Action approach towards multi-hazards in the country since 2017, with a special focus on predicting sudden-onset flooding and activating life-saving actions before the disaster impact.

Critical to this approach is reliable early weather forecasts disseminated to local responders for timely action. The Early Warning messages can however only be useful if the local recipients of the messages understand them, trust their validity, and are empowered to act before the disaster impact. It is therefore crucial that the national Disaster Management level know how to tailor these warnings by engaging communities and enhancing the opportunity to ensure effective preparation and Early Action.