The African continent often faces emergencies and pure disasters that devastate communities and pressure present response mechanisms.
Current examples embrace the 2023 earthquake in Morocco that killed 3,000 and injured over 5,000 and the floods in Kenya in March 2024 that claimed 291 lives. These incidents spotlight the pressing want for a coordinated and swift response, as present catastrophe administration techniques in lots of African international locations are weak or non-existent.
Insufficient assets and expertise hinder efficient catastrophe administration and rescue providers throughout the continent. This inadequacy just isn’t deliberate, however slightly a consequence of the inadequate funding in emergency response infrastructure. The urgent query stays: How can Africa successfully reply to disasters after they happen?
The previous decade has seen an increase in pure disasters in Africa, exacerbated by local weather change which has led to extreme droughts within the Horn of Africa and unprecedented flooding in West Africa.
Urbanisation and industrial actions have additionally elevated the chance of artificial disasters equivalent to industrial fires and unsafe materials spills. The latest explosion at a gasoline depot in Sierra Leone underscored the extreme penalties of insufficient emergency response capabilities.
Standing
A standing Catastrophe Administration and Emergency Response Staff below the African Union (AU) would supply a centralised and fast response to disasters in member states. This crew may very well be shortly deployed to any nation going through an emergency, bringing the much-needed experience and assets.
At present, reliance on advert hoc responses and worldwide help typically results in delays, worsening the humanitarian impression. Establishing a devoted crew would guarantee a bunch of extremely skilled professionals are at all times able to act. Steady coaching and simulation workouts would keep excessive readiness ranges.
This crew might additionally supply coaching and assist to native emergency providers throughout the continent, enhancing total preparedness.
Fund
Pooling assets on the continental stage would result in extra environment friendly use of funds and tools. A standing crew might keep a stockpile of important provides and superior tools which particular person international locations may discover prohibitively costly to acquire on their very own.
This shared useful resource mannequin would be certain that even probably the most resource-strapped nations obtain well timed and efficient help. Past the instant response, a standing Catastrophe Administration and Emergency Response Staff might play an important position in catastrophe threat discount. By conducting threat assessments and supporting the event of early warning techniques, the AU might assist member states construct resilience in opposition to future disasters.
Method
This proactive method is important for mitigating the long-term impacts of local weather change and different rising threats. The creation of an AU-standing Catastrophe Administration and Emergency Response Staff requires political will, strategic planning and monetary funding. Nonetheless, the potential advantages far outweigh the prices.
By prioritising this initiative, the African Union can show a dedication to defending its residents and fostering a extra resilient continent. African leaders should recognise that disasters don’t respect borders.
The collective security and safety of the continent depend upon a unified and sturdy response mechanism. It’s time for the AU to take decisive motion, making certain that when the following catastrophe strikes, Africa is able to reply swiftly and successfully, saving lives and minimising struggling.
Reflecting on the latest tragedies which have befallen the continent, it’s crucial to channel grief and frustration into constructive motion. Establishing a standing Catastrophe Administration and Emergency Response Staff throughout the African Union is not only a strategic necessity however an ethical crucial.
Investing on this important infrastructure will create a safer, extra resilient Africa, able to face the challenges of right this moment and tomorrow. The time to behave is now.
The author is a Public Relations Officer, Ghana Nationwide Hearth Service, Central Area.