Moustapha Diallo, International Federation, Dakar
Government experts and natural disaster specialists from 16 countries in West and Central Africa came together, including Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies, with the aim of strengthening their partnership in disasters preparedness and response.
This commitment was made at the end of the fourth regional consultation on disaster and flooding preparedness which took place in Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, between 5 and 7 May.
Participants also stressed the need for the Red Cross Red Crescent to strengthen their partnerships at a national level, especially with the civil protection services in order to improve the assistance provided to people during disaster situations.
"A strengthened coordination between government institution, the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, and UN agencies in preparing for and responding to disasters, will allow efficient use of resources, enable rescue efforts to reach communities in time and, hopefully, save more lives," said Youcef Ait-Chellouche, the International Federation's disaster management coordinator for West and Central Africa.
States are also encouraged to get involved in the design and practical implementation through simulation exercises, multi-hazard and multi-sectoral contingency plans.
Lessons from previous years
The meeting, which has been organized by OCHA since 2007 and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, focused on early warning and preparation, two key elements that enable the reduction of risks and anticipation disasters.
During three days, meeting participants reviewed the floods that occurred in 2009 and developed response strategies for the forthcoming rain falls.
"We capitalized on a good experience in the management of floods that hit Burkina Faso last year. With the support of the Red Cross and other CONASUR (National Committee for Emergency and Rehabilitation Assistance) members, we have currently initiated measures to prepare, including pre-positioning emergency stocks to bring aid closer to populations in case of disaster," said Belem Amade, the permanent secretary of CONSASUR in Burkina Faso.
"The contribution of the Red Cross was considerable last year and this forum allows us to have a sub-regional vision in disaster management," he adds.
Cooperation between ACMAD and the International Federation
The response to climate change and its impact on the lives of communities were largely discussed. Owing to a partnership with meteorological institutions, including ACMAD (African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development), the International Federation has access to seasonal forecasts, which allows it to anticipate floods and mitigate their impact.
Expected in late May, the weather forecasts will allow the further refinement of the national preparedness plans for floods that will emerge from the meeting in Praia.
As for the International Federation, in the framework of its “Early warning, early action” approach, it has pre-positioned relief supplies in the countries to offer immediate assistance to people.
Increased vulnerability
West and Central Africa are particularly exposed to the risks associated with climate variability and its disastrous consequences.
The floods – the most widely shared natural disaster in the sub-region - affected more than 1.8 million people since 2007. In 2009, many West African cities experienced torrential rains which caused loss of human lives, livestock and the destruction of important socio-economic infrastructures. Burkina Faso and Senegal were the most affected countries.