Mozambique: Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework for Cyclones
The Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework in Mozambique aims to coordinate assistance for communities at risk of cyclones. It outlines triggers for action, a strategic action plan, and pre-arranged financing mechanisms to deliver urgent support effectively across six targeted provinces, responding to Mozambique’s increasing cyclone threats.
This document outlines the Anticipatory Action (AA) and Early Response (ER) Framework implemented in Mozambique, detailing triggers, action plans, and financing measures.
Mozambique frequently suffers from cyclones, particularly impacting low-lying coastal regions with a high population density. Since 2017, about 5 million individuals have been affected, particularly in Zambezia, Nampula, and Sofala, with increasing cyclone frequency and intensity since 2000.
The framework aims to offer coordinated AA and ER to populations vulnerable to cyclones across six provinces: Cabo Delgado, Nampula, Zambezia, Sofala, Inhambane, and Gaza, with pilot districts for AA implementation.
The development of this framework involved a collaborative participatory process led by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, coordinated by OCHA Mozambique alongside the national technical working group on anticipatory action.
Triggers for financing and activities include:
1. Readiness Trigger: Initiated up to 120 hours before landfall based on forecasts.
2. Action Trigger: Activated within 72-6 hours of impending storms or cyclones impacting designated districts.
3. Observational Trigger: If landfall forecasts indicate severe storms affecting specific provinces or significant rainfall exceeds 120 mm.
Should the action trigger occur within 6 hours before landfall, the framework will not activate to ensure safety for humanitarian personnel and affected people.
The action plan encompasses anticipatory and early response activities focused on core objectives such as risk communication, support for Temporary Accommodation Centers (TACs), providing in-kind assistance like shelter kits, and facilitating access to critical services such as health and WASH.
Implementation of early response activities should occur within two to four weeks post-landfall, based on insights from previous cyclones and operational capacities.
The Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) has allocated up to $6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for this framework, ensuring support in key areas, including Food Security and WASH, with additional commitment from WFP.
The framework also provides opportunities for learning through joint post-distribution monitoring and after-action reviews, ensuring ongoing improvement in response practices.
For further information on OCHA’s activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.
Cyclones are a significant threat to Mozambique, a country that regularly experiences such natural disasters, particularly affecting its vulnerable coastal regions. With a history of cyclones leading to damaging impacts on infrastructure and communities, this framework is a response to mitigate the humanitarian crises faced by millions in affected provinces. By establishing anticipatory actions and early response capacity, the framework is crucial in planning and executing effective disaster management measures.
The Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework in Mozambique aims to address the recurring cyclones’ impact by establishing a coordinated response system. By implementing pre-agreed actions and securing financing, the framework seeks to provide timely assistance to affected populations, enhance community resilience, and facilitate continuous learning and improvement in humanitarian efforts.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
