The Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework in Mozambique aims to provide coordinated humanitarian assistance in response to cyclones. Developed collaboratively, it outlines specific triggers for action, a focused action plan, and a budget of up to $6 million from the CERF to address critical needs across six provinces. Learning opportunities will inform future responses and improve community resilience against cyclones.
This document outlines the Anticipatory Action (AA) and Early Response (ER) Framework in Mozambique, detailing its triggers, action plan, and financing. Mozambique frequently faces cyclones, particularly affecting coastal regions, resulting in significant humanitarian needs. Since 2017, approximately 5 million individuals have been impacted, especially in Zambezia, Nampula, and Sofala provinces, with cyclones precipitating the most severe economic losses. The framework’s objective is to offer coordinated responses to at-risk populations in six provinces, implementing anticipatory actions in selected pilot districts.
Developed through a collaborative approach facilitated by the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and OCHA Mozambique, this framework incorporates contributions from a national technical working group on anticipatory action. Its operational readiness hinges on several triggers, namely the readiness trigger, action trigger, and observational trigger, designed to activate humanitarian responses in a timely fashion before and after cyclone landfall.
The readiness trigger forecasts potential cyclone impacts up to 120 hours prior to landfall. The action trigger dictates response actions when severe storm conditions are anticipated within specific districts, while the observational trigger activates based on rainfall measures or cyclone intensity upon landfall. Notably, partners have set cut-off times for activating actions to ensure the safety of personnel and affected communities.
Agencies are required to execute the agreed actions promptly, focusing on risk communication, support for Temporary Accommodation Centers (TACs), providing in-kind assistance, and facilitating access to essential services. Response actions must occur swiftly within 2 to 4 weeks of the cyclone’s impact, utilizing shared experiences from past responses.
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $6 million to support this framework, covering critical need areas including Food Security, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Shelter, Health, and Child Protection. Additionally, the World Food Programme plans to contribute $979,000 for anticipatory actions during the 2024/2025 season.
The framework also opens avenues for shared learning, as partners have committed to post-distribution evaluations and an after-action review following activation. Subsequent engagements will focus on enhancing cooperative learning for future responses.
In Mozambique, cyclones pose significant threats to lives and livelihoods, particularly in low-lying coastal areas that house a large portion of the population. The nation’s vulnerability to tropical cyclones has been intensified over the years, with an increase in the frequency and intensity of such weather events. This framework aims to address the humanitarian impact, coordinating responses and pre-emptive actions to mitigate suffering and enhance community resilience.
The Anticipatory Action and Early Response Framework in Mozambique is a strategic initiative aimed at reducing the humanitarian impact of cyclones on vulnerable populations. By establishing clear triggers, actionable plans, and designated financing, the framework ensures a swift and coordinated response to emerging threats. Continued learning and collaboration among partners will enhance future preparedness and response efforts, ultimately saving lives and promoting resilience across affected communities.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
