BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
EZULWINI– Eswatini is taking a major step towards strengthening its disaster preparedness and climate resilience through the introduction of advanced impact-based weather forecasting systems designed to protect lives, livelihoods, infrastructure and essential services.
This follows the launch of a five-day ActionFirst™ Co-Production Workshop by Umvalo Wesive, in collaboration with the Eswatini Meteorological Service (EMS), currently underway in Ezulwini from June 22 to 26, 2026.
The workshop brings together technical experts and disaster management practitioners to develop practical tools that will improve the country’s ability to anticipate, communicate and respond to weather and climate-related hazards before they escalate into disasters.
Among the key outcomes expected from the workshop are the development of multi-hazard impact tables, a national impact-based risk matrix, standardised warning templates and colour-coded alert systems aimed at strengthening timely decision-making and emergency response.
Unlike traditional forecasting methods that focus mainly on weather conditions, Impact-Based Forecasting provides information on what those conditions are likely to mean for communities, infrastructure, businesses, agriculture and public services. This enables authorities and communities to take early action to reduce risks and losses.
Speaking during the opening session, National Disaster Management Agency (NDRMA) Chief Executive Officer Lusekwane Mahlalela said the initiative represents an important shift towards transforming weather forecasts into actionable information that can help save lives and safeguard livelihoods.
EMS Acting Director Mduduzi Msibi emphasised that stronger collaboration between meteorologists and disaster risk management practitioners remains critical in improving preparedness and building national resilience against increasing climate-related threats.
The initiative is supported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Kingdom Met Office, the Weather and Climate Information Services (WISER) Programme, the South African Weather Service and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening early warning systems in Eswatini.
The workshop is expected to contribute significantly towards building a safer and more resilient nation through improved forecasting, communication and disaster risk reduction measures.
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(Courtesy Pic)
