Windhoek residents residing in flood-prone areas are urged to start preparing for the rainy season.

Windhoek Mayor Sade Gawanas addressed the commemoration of International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, urging residents to take note of safety tips shared by the municipality, both prior to and during possible floods. 

The day, which aims to promote a global culture of disaster reduction, was celebrated under the theme "Early warning and early action for all".

The International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction is commemorated to acknowledge and raise awareness about the risk of the disaster facing many people and communities around the world, and to reduce disastrous outcomes wherever possible.

Mayor Gawanas highlighted the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary efforts to manage the threat, as well as cooperation in a local and international sense. 

"Let us build on the lessons learned and work together to prevent and be better prepared for possible future disasters. Let us not ignore early warnings issued by the authorities. We are part of a global village. What happens thousands of kilometers from here may reach us or have a far-reaching impact on our supply chain system. So let us adhere to the disaster warnings."

Telecom Namibia's Head of Design, Engineering and Implementation, Lucas Shuuya, emphasised the importance of telecommunications when dealing with disasters.

" Some of their specific roles include raising awareness and public education, monitoring the capacity and collecting information and data about the underlined hazards, analyzing information and data regarding potential disasters as well as for mapping, modelling and forecasting, facilitating the implementation of strategies and technology processes that can reduce death and property damage in potential disasters."

Deputy Executive Director in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Taimi Amaambo, pointed to numerous identification tools employed by his ministry to identify current emergency threats and response plans for these.