Tropical Storms: Early Warning Means Life-Saving Early Actions

The lessons learned from Madagascar concerning limiting the loss of life during cyclone season have been put to good use across the southern hemisphere, including Mozambique.

The World Health Organization has stated that “accurate early warnings and early action on the ground helped limit loss of life in Madagascar, with initial reports of seven casualties.”

The ongoing Early Warnings for All campaign from the World Meteorological Organization to prevent the loss of life bore fruit in Madagascar where immediate needs were assessed. Therefore, the rapid distribution of critical supplies like safe water and water purification supplies, medical supplies, tents, and hygiene kits was secured. Before Cyclone Freddy made landfall in Madagascar, school kits were pre-positioned by UNICEF for 30,000 kids. The World Food Programme did provide 25,000 hot meals to displaced people. Those measures have been put in place in other parts of the world like Mozambique where UNICEF helped residents to brace themselves as Cyclone Freddy was approaching the African country’s shores.