Early Warning

Linking early warning to early action in the Sahel

DAKAR, 18 June 2013 (IRIN Africa) - While aid agencies agree that early warning systems offer the chance to mitigate humanitarian crises, difficulty in funding pre-emptive measures and government sensitivities in admitting a looming disaster continue to hamper early action. full report

Lack of access, rains hinder aid to Jonglei IDPs

 JUBA, 17 June 2013 (IRIN Africa) - Tens of thousands of people have been cut off from water, food and medical care in South Sudan's Jonglei State, after fleeing violence between rebels and the government in Pibor County. They now face escalated risks as the rainy season starts, but aid agencies say the government has denied humanitarian access to these populations. full report

Senegalese gear up for likely flooding

 DAKAR/PIKINE, 7 June 2013 (IRIN Africa) - Senegalese authorities and aid organizations say they have begun preparing for what will likely be another round of heavy flooding during this year's upcoming rainy season, but observers and local residents say not enough has been done to reduce the risk of annual floods ruining their homes. full report

Fears of a malaria relapse in Madagascar

 ANTANANARIVO, 7 June 2013 (IRIN Africa) - Madagascar’s recent gains in the battle against malaria are likely to be reversed because funding problems have interrupted prevention activities. full report

Responding to Namibia's drought crisis

 JOHANNESBURG, 30 May 2013 (IRIN Africa) - Namibia, already the driest country in sub-Saharan Africa, is experiencing a severe drought, with some regions receiving the lowest seasonal rainfall in three decades, according to figures released by the country’s meteorological service this week. full report

Analysis: How to avoid a fourth year of serious flooding in Pakistan

 SUKKUR, 21 May 2013 (IRIN Asia) - Since 2010, monsoon rain in Pakistan has brought with it some of the biggest seasonal flooding in living memory. Two months from this year’s rains, weather forecasters are already predicting above normal rainfall and in some areas standing water has yet to drain away from last year’s monsoon. full report

Evacuation volunteers fan out in Bangladesh

 DHAKA, 16 May 2013 (IRIN Asia) - Some 50,000 volunteers in coastal communities across southern Bangladesh are out and about warning people to move to higher ground ahead of Cyclone Mahasen. Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated so far. full report

Bangladesh, Myanmar brace for Cyclone Mahasen

 BANGKOK, 13 May 2013 (IRIN Asia) - Bangladesh and Myanmar are bracing for Cyclone Mahasen, a storm which could affect millions in the region, the UN has warned. full report

Analysis: Getting governments to cough up for DRR

 AQABA, 9 May 2013 (IRIN Global) - Investing in preparation for potential disasters is a “no brainer”, Elizabeth Longworth, director of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), told a recent disaster risk reduction (DRR) conference in Aqaba, Jordan. full report

Countering the radicalization of Kenya's youth

 NAIROBI, 6 May 2013 (IRIN Africa) - Unemployment, poverty and political marginalization are contributing to the Islamic radicalization of Kenya's youth, a situation experts say must be addressed through economic empowerment and inclusive policies. full report

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