Nairobi, Kenya — SoDMA Commissioner Mahamuud Moallim of Somalia and Dr. Eng. Emmanuel Nkurunziza, Director-General of the Regional Centre for Mapping of Resources for Development (RCMRD), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at bolstering cooperation in disaster management through advanced early warning systems and anticipatory measures.
The signing ceremony took place at RCMRD’s headquarters, marking a significant step towards enhancing resilience against natural disasters in the Horn of Africa. The MOU focuses on leveraging RCMRD’s expertise in earth observation and geospatial technologies to improve early warning systems, which are crucial for mitigating the impacts of climate-related disasters.
“Today’s agreement is not just about technology; it’s about safeguarding lives and livelihoods,” said Dr. Nkurunziza. “By integrating our capabilities with Somalia’s needs, we aim to reduce the vulnerability of communities to disasters.”
Commissioner Moallim emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration will empower us with the tools necessary to anticipate and manage disasters more effectively, protecting our people and resources.”
The collaboration will also explore the use of satellite data for real-time monitoring, predictive modeling, and developing strategies for anticipatory action, which could include pre-positioning aid or evacuation planning before disasters strike.
This strategic alliance is part of broader regional efforts to adapt to changing climate patterns and to ensure that early warning systems are not only in place but are also effective and community-oriented, aligning with global targets set by frameworks like the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The initiative comes at a time when the frequency and intensity of climate-related events are on the rise, underlining the urgency of such partnerships across Africa and beyond.
