Official calls for early action on climate hazards

The Undersecretary in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, William Chan, has called for timely action on early warning information to minimize the devastating impacts of climate-related disasters across South Sudan.

Speaking on Monday during the National Media Training on Early Warning Systems at Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, Chan said the country has experienced recurring climate hazards, particularly floods, over the years, underscoring the need for preparedness and swift response.

He emphasized that early warning information is only effective when communities and institutions take prompt action.

“Receiving information about a hazard is not enough. We must act on that information early to reduce the loss of lives, destruction of property, and other impacts caused by disasters,” Chan said. “The media serves as a bridge between information providers and communities. Through accurate and timely reporting, journalists can help people prepare and avoid being overwhelmed by disasters.”

The training brought together media practitioners to strengthen their understanding of early warning systems and improve public awareness on disaster risk reduction.

Meanwhile, Baba Emmanuel, the Disaster Risk Management Manager at the South Sudan Red Cross, encouraged journalists to collaborate closely with Red Cross volunteers to improve access to information from remote and disaster-prone areas.

“Our volunteers are present in communities across the country, including hard-to-reach areas affected by climate change,” he said. “Journalists can work with them to obtain reliable information and ensure that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.”

He stressed that stronger cooperation between the media and humanitarian organizations would enhance public access to timely information and support disaster preparedness efforts nationwide.

The media training forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen South Sudan’s resilience to climate shocks through improved communication, preparedness, and community engagement.