By Charlie Ligomeka
Machinga, April 12, Mana: Minister of Natural Resources and Climate Change, Owen Chomanika says government has increased investment in climate and meteorological services to provide timely weather information for public safety and for the agricultural sector to make informed decisions to minimize losses.
Chomanika made the remarks on Friday at the commemoration of 75th World Meteorological Day at Machinga Teachers Training College football ground where he also emphasized the importance of disseminating accurate weather information and utilization of early and meaningful warning systems.
“Government is investing a lot in climate and meteorological services apart from engaging extension services from our partners and Ministry of Agriculture in matters of weather information.
“This way, we can provide information to help people know what to do when a call is made on bad weather and commencement of rain. This, assist farmers on the other hand to avoid planting in dry spells.” he said, citing a scenario in the 2024-2025 rainy season, when forecasters said rain would come in December while some farmers planted in October, leading to crop failure.
Chomanika stressed the need for people to take immediate action when warnings are issued by the DCCMS.
“It is very sad that we lost lives of our loved ones which could have been saved if people took immediately actions once the warnings were issued by our forecasters. Let's take actions quickly once the warnings are issued and let us continue to save lives,” the minister added.
The Director of Programmes and Development at the Malawi Red Cross Society, Gloria Kunyenga said there was need for meaningful collaboration among all actors to ensure every person is protected by use of early warning systems by 2027, a goal set by the United Nation’s Early Warning for All initiative.
"We need to reflect this goal in practice; we don't have to wait for the disaster to strike. We have the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services (DCCMS) that can ably forecast upcoming harsh weather events," she added.
Kunyenga also stressed the need to use scientific forecasts to trigger early action before a disaster unfolds.
“When meteorological data shows a high probability of flooding in a particular area, we need to mobilize ourselves and act before the first drop of rainfall,
“This approach has saved millions of lives and minimize damage, especially in vulnerable communities," she said.
The director emphasized the importance of sustaining support for early warning and early action, stating, “This doesn't have to be the end—let's keep pushing forward.”
Machinga District Council Chairperson, Councilor Simplex Diwa, also encouraged people in the district to always take precautionary measures and to act accordingly when forecasters call for quick actions for safety in times of disasters.
Malawi commemorated the 75th World Meteorological Day under the theme: Closing the early warning gap together.
