Story by Tichaona Kurewa
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing regional disaster response and prevention efforts with the operationalisation of the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC).
Located in Nampula Province of Mozambique, the SADC Humanitarian and Emergency Operations Centre (SHOC) aims to improve coordination and efficiency in responding to natural disasters and humanitarian crises across the SADC region.
The devastating effect of the 2019 Cyclone Idai, which affected several SADC countries including Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe, underscores the urgent need for such a centre.
“It took some time to operationalise the centre due to a lack of funding, but we made every effort to get it started. We received some donations from cooperating partners, including drones, which are very useful in disaster response. But we still need other equipment and a dedicated budget for the centre,” said SADC Deputy Executive Secretary Regional Integration, Ms Angele Makombo N’tumba.
The S.H.O.C will play a vital role in early warning systems, rapid response, logistics and supply chain management, and information sharing among SADC member states.
A regional engagement on disaster risk reduction currently underway is bringing together government agencies, traditional leaders, religious organisations, and other stakeholders to identify gaps and challenges in disaster risk reduction and management within the region.
