SADC Strengthens Regional Disaster Management Capacity

SADC successfully conducts training of the second cohort of its Emergency Response Team (Image Source)

Nyanga, Zimbabwe — The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has taken a significant step in strengthening its disaster response capacity with the completion of an intensive Emergency Response Team (ERT) training programme in Nyanga. The initiative, which brought together participants from 13 member states, is designed to improve preparedness and coordination in the face of mounting climate-induced disasters such as floods, cyclones, and droughts.

Southern Africa has become increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events. Cyclone Idai in 2019 devastated Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe, claiming over 1,000 lives and displacing millions. More recently, Cyclone Freddy (2023) caused widespread damage in Malawi and Mozambique, underscoring the urgency for regional disaster coordination.

“Southern Africa is prone to climate-induced emergencies. We must redefine life-saving assistance to remain effective and accountable,” said Edward Kallon, the UN Resident Coordinator for Zimbabwe.

The Nyanga programme covered emergency coordination, humanitarian logistics, and interoperability between national systems and international relief agencies. Zimbabwe’s Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Benjamin Kabikira, praised the participants:

“The skills, knowledge, and teamwork you have demonstrated reflect the dedication essential in safeguarding lives.”

The training also addressed emerging threats such as mining-induced seismic activity, industrial accidents, and radiation hazards. Zimbabwe’s Civil Protection Unit (CPU) has been updating its frameworks to keep pace with these challenges. Chief Director Nathan Nkomo confirmed that the Civil Protection Act is being reviewed to integrate modern threats, with technology such as drones set to be deployed for rapid damage assessments. Meanwhile, the programme laid the foundation for the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC), a regional hub that will streamline cross-border disaster response and resource mobilisation.

The initiative was co-financed by the Government of Zimbabwe, supported by the SADC Secretariat, UN agencies, the European Union, and the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC). This collaborative approach signals a shift from reactive to proactive disaster management.

Disaster risk expert Dr. Blessing Karumbidza argues that SADC’s investment is timely:

“With climate change intensifying, disasters are no longer isolated national challenges. Regional preparedness is the only sustainable path forward.”

As climate shocks become more frequent, the ability of SADC to operationalise its SHOC centre and embed technology in response systems will determine whether future disasters are managed crises or humanitarian catastrophes.